Small  Library  Buildings 


Cornelia  Marvin 


This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below 

1   ~     id^ 

JUL    *•  *• 
1 


NOV     5  193* 

1  2  1939 
MAY  ?      19§31 
"1  3  1963 
lEC'DLDUW. 

URL     JAN 

0EC  2^9$* 


SMALL  LIBRARY  BUILDINGS 


A  Collection  of  Plans  Contributed  by  the 
league  of  Library  Com:   '.ssions 


Introduction  and  Notes  by     Cornelia    Marvin 
Secretary  of   the  Oregon   Library   Commission 


*• — -3fj^ 


A.  L.  A.  PUBLISHING  BOARD 

34  Newbury  Street 

BOSTON,  MASS. 

1908 


SOUTHERN  BRANCH 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFOWH/S 


M-t. 
CONTENTS 


Introductory  'notes  by   the   editor 

General    suggestions 5 

Terms                    6 

Literature 7 

Choosing  an  architect                 . 7 

Preliminary    considerations           ...                  ......  8 

First   principles 9 

Size  of  building 9 

Capacity 10 

Cost 10 

Location 11 

Style  of  architecture 11 

Materials  of  construction 11 

Entrances 12 

Arrangement 12 

Floors 13 

Heating  and  ventilating 14 

Plumbing 15 

Lighting 15 

Walls 16 

Shelving 16 

Lean  desk 17 

Furniture 18 

Plans  cf  public  libraries  Cost 

I  Portland,  Ore.     East  side  branch    .         .  $  2,600 20 

II  Carthage,    Ind 6,500         ....  23 

III  Durand,   Wis.              7,800     .         .         .         .         .  26 

IV  West  Liberty,  la.           ....           8,000         ....  29 

V  Covina,    Cal.       .         .         .         .         .         .       8,200 34 

VI  Eugene,  Ore 9,700         ....  37 

VII  Richland  Center,  Wis 10,000 41 

VIII  Darlington,   Wis.            ....         10,000         ....  42 

IX  Vineland,   N.  J 10,000 49 

X  Kearney,    Neb 11,700         ....  53 

XI  Hutchinspn,  Minn.             ....     12,200 56 

XII  Tiptcn,  la 13,200         ....  60 

XIII  Watertown,  Wis 20,000     .....  64 

XIV  Oskaloosa,  la 23,800         ....  67 

XV  Huntingdon,    Ind 25,600 72 

XVI  Eau  Claire,  Wis 40,000        ....  76 

XVII  Cedar  Rapids,  la 75,000 80 

XVIII  Madison,   Wis 75,000         ....  86 

Plans  cf  college  libraries 

XIX  Eugene,    Ore.              .         .         .         .         .     25,000 94 

XX  Grinnell,    la.            50,000         ....  98 


INTRODUCTORY  NOTES  BY  THE  EDITOR 

This  pamphlet  contains  the  best  of  the  plans  sent  to  the  editor  by  the  cooperating 
Library  Commissions.  These  do  not  represent  the  editor's  choice,  but  include  the 
recent  buildings  in  each  state  which,  in  the  opinion  of  the  Commission  officers,  best 
meet  the  needs  of  the  librarians  and  the  public. 

Each  Commission  was  asked  to  send  plans  of  public  libraries  costing  not  over 
$10,000,  $25,000  and  $75,000  respectively,  and  of  one  small  college  library.  The  result  is  a 
collection  of  eight  plans  of  buildings  costing  $10,000  or  less;  three  between  $10,000  and 
$15,000;  three  between  $20,000  and  $25,000;  three  over  $25,000;  two  of  college  libraries 
which  are  fair  representatives  of  this  type;  and  one  small  branch  library  which  is  a 
good  model  for  any  inexpensive  building. 

Plans  of  buildings  costing  less  than  $5,000  were  not  supplied  by  the  Commissions, 
but  will  be  found  in  Mr.  Eastman's  pamphlet  and  in  the  reports  of  Library  Com- 
missions noted  below.  A  $5,000  building  usually  consists  of  one  large,  well-lighted 
room,  with  basement  for  storage  and  work  rooms.  A  building  costing  $3,000  or  less 
cannot  have  library  rooms  in  the  basement.  Small  buildings  will  be  the  same  as  the 
$10,000  buildings  in  the  points  of  light,  shelving,  floor  covering,  etc. 

The  descriptive  notes  vary  in  quality  and  extent;  they  contain  all  that  could  be 
secured  frcm  trustees,  librarians  and  Commissions,  and  nothing  which  is  not  worth 
consideration.  The  notes  for  plans  XIII,  XVII,  XVIII  and  XX  are  quite  full,  the 
details  of  these  buildings  having  been  carefully  worked  out.  The  notes  on  the  furniture 
and  fittings  are  especially  valuable. 

Special  attention  has  been  devoted  to  the  plans  of  small  buildings,  as  the  Com- 
missions seek  to  aid  trustees  who  have  not  the  help  of  experienced  librarians  and  who 
cannct  afford  to  put  a  large  sum  into  the  investigation.  The  plans  of  larger  libraries 
are  included  rather  as  a  matter  of  interest,  showing  the  development  and  extension  of 
buildings  as  the  demands  of  library  work  increase.  The  interior  views  are  included  for 
the  purpose  of  helping  in  decisions  on  furniture  and  fittings,  as  well  as  for  the  idea  of 
interior  arrangement.  Most  of  the  buildings  are  in  the  Middle  States,  as  the  Com- 
missions of  the  Middle  West  have  cooperated  most  fully  in  the  preparation  of  the 
pamphlet.  As  the  buildings  are  nearly  new  or  of  recent  date,  it  has  not  been  possible 
to  secure  figures  in  regard  to  the  cost  of  maintenance,  which  is  naturally  an  important 
item  in  planning  a  building.  Statistics  on  this  point  may  be  secured  from  the  librarians 
of  the  different  libraries.  A  carefully  planned  building  should  be  economically  heated, 
lighted  and  cared  for  by  a  small  force. 

Plans  VIII,  XIII  and  XVI  are  recommended  as  the  most  perfect  buildings  for  the 
money  invested,  both  as  to  interiors  and  exteriors. 

As  will  be  evident,  excellence  of  architectural  design  has,  in  some  instances,  been 
ignored,  and  a  few  brief  comments  on  such  points  have  been  added  to  the  notes.  All 
buildings  included  are  not  models.  Though  some  contain  serious  mistakes,  each  has 
good  points  worth  reproducing,  as  well  as  the  objectionable  features  which  it  has  been 
the  ungracious  task  of  the  editor  to  point  out  in  the  notes  following  the  description  of 
each  building.  It  is  possible  that  these  notes  enumerate  the  deviations  from  an  ideal 
plan  existing  in  the  mind  of  the  editor,  and  that  this  ideal  may  not  be  generally 
accepted.  Any  criticism  must  come  from  some  definite  point  of  view,  but  an  effort  has 
been  made  to  cast  aside  prejudice  and  to  keep  in  mind  the  fact  that  the  model  building 
of  today  may  be  considered  quite  out-of-date  tomorrow.  An  effort  has  been  made  to 
summarize  the  best  points  in  library  architecture  as  determined  by  the  experience  of 
the  past  ten  years.  Officers  of  the  cooperating  Commissions  are  not  responsible  for  the 
views  expressed  in  these  notes  —  their  responsibility  ended  with  the  selection  of  plans 
from  their  own  states.  The  frequent  suggestions  to  apply  to  Commissions  for  advice 
are  for  the  boards  without  trained  or  experienced  librarians. 

The  similarity  in  the  plans  testifies  to  the  fact  that  a  few  principles  are  well 
established.  The  buildings  are  nearly  all  of  one  type,  and  there  are  several  planned  by 
the  same  architects,  but  the  details  differ  sufficiently  to  warrant  inclusion  of  all  of 


them.  It  will  be  understood  that,  though  there  is  a  rather  definite  agreement  in  regard 
to  the  general  principles  of  library  architecture,  there  is  great  difference  of  opinion 
upon  details. 

It  is  to  be  hoped  that  no  board  will  be  led,  through  these  plans,  into  the  mistake 
of  using  too  many  partitions,  cutting  the  library  up  into  small  rooms;  and  that  the  old- 
fashioned  idea  of  the  "book  stack"  for  small  libraries  will  not  appeal  to  a  library  board 
which  considers  the  points  of  administration  and  utility.  Most  of  the  plans  show  base- 
ments containing  classrooms.  Failure  to  use  the  basement  in  this  way  is,  of  course,  a 
defect.  It  will  thus  be  seen  that  the  Commissions  could  not  recommend  copying  the 
plans. 

The  notes  which  follow  are  addressed  to  trustees  and  librarians  who  are  planning 
small  libraries.  Those  responsible  for  large  buildings  and  branch  libraries  may  usually 
command  the  services  cf  librarians  competent  to  advise  and  direct.  Attention  is  de- 
voted exclusively  to  the  librarian's  side  of  the  building  —  interior  arrangement  and 
fittings.  Little  attempt  has  been  made  to  criticise  architectural  design,  or  to  make 
suggestions  which  should  come  from  competent  architects.  Few  librarians  are  able  to 
direct  in  this  respect,  but  they  should  have  the  final  decision  on  the  arrangement  of 
rooms,  fittings,  light,  etc.,  in  so  far  as  these  things  affect  the  daily  work  of  the  library. 
No  architect  can  understand  this  as  the  librarian  does.  The  ideal  library  plan  is  made  by 
a  combination  of  forces,  as  in  any  other  building  for  special  purposes. 

EXPLANATION     OF     TERMS 

In  explanaticn  of  the  terms  used  in  the  introduction  and  descriptive  notes,  it 
should  be  said  that  the  cost  means  the  entire  cost  of  the  finished  building.  The  cost 
per  cubic  foot  is  estimated  from  the  bottom  of  the  footings  to  the  center  of  the  roof, 
with  no  allowance  for  irregularities,  and  ordinarily  includes  every  item  except  furniture 
and  fees.  In  all  figures,  allowance  must  be  made  for  time  and  place,  as  the  locality  and 
fluctuating  cost  cf  building  materials  make  it  impossible  to  compare  cost  of  buildings 
with  satisfactory  results.  It  is  probable  that  most  of  the  buildings  were  economically 
constructed.  The  librarians  generally  had  no  suggestions  in  regard  to  reducing  cost. 
In  some  cases  cork  carpet,  light  fixtures,  and  shelving  are  included  in  the  contract,  and 
in  others  they  are  considered  as  furniture,  inconvenience  from  lack  of  uniformity  being 
partially  overcome  by  the  full  notes.  The  cost  of  site  has  not  been  considered,  but  the 
total  cost  of  building  often  includes  grading,  curbing,  walks,  drives  and  other  items 
grouped  under  grounds. 

Dimensions  are  given  for  outside  of  building.  Height  of  story  is  height  of  inside 
of  room,  in  clear.  Shelving  capacity  is  the  total  capacity  of  the  building  unless  other- 
wise noted.  Seating  capacity  means  number  to  be  accommodated  at  tables,  though  most 
libraries  provide  ether  seats  also.  Provision  for  future  extension  is  occasionally  noted. 
Though  not  considered  a  question  of  first  importance  in  very  small  towns  which  have 
attained  their  maximum  population,  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance  in  a  growing  city; 
also  when  the  original  building  fund  is  insufficient  and  must  be  supplemented  in  the 
near  future. 

Buildings  are  all  of  ordinary  construction  unless  designated  as  slow  burning  or 
fire-proof.  A  fire-proof  building  is  practically  unknown,  but  so-called  fire-proof  stacks 
are  common. 

Librarians  cften  call  a  dcuble-face  bock  case  a  "stack"  and  speak  of  any  book 
storage  place  as  a  "stack  room,"  though  it  is  more  properly  designated  as  main  book 
room.  The  term  is  constantly  misapplied,  but  has  been  allowed  to  stand  when  the 
room  or  space  is  so  designated  in  the  cut.  In  this  introduction  wall  shelving  means  a 
single-face  case  against  the  wall,  with  or  without  backing;  floor  case  means  a  double- 
face  case  standing  cut  from  the  wall.  The  stack  means  a  section  of  the  building 
especially  constructed  for  close  storage  of  books  (see  plate  XXc),  usually  several  low 
stories  of  patent  metal  shelving  connected  by  service  stairways  and  lifts.  Book  stacks 
are  patented  and  made  by  many  different  firms.  Their  relative  merits  are  not  fully 
determined.  They  are,  however,  fcr  large  libraries  only,  and  small  libraries  need  not 
consider  the  problem,  as  free  access  to  shelves  and  ample  space  make  such  storage 
room  unnecessary.  Wooden  shelving  is  always  understood  unless  patent  shelving  is 
designated.  A  few  small  libraries  buy  the  patent  shelving,  but  it  is  not  essential,  and 
is  expensive.  Opinions  differ  as  to  its  desirability.  The  addresses  of  the  manufacturers 
of  patent  shelving  and  stacks  mentioned  in  the  descriptive  notes  are:  Art  Metal  Con- 

6 


struction  Co.,  Jamestown,  N.  Y.;  Library  Bureau,  156  Wabash  Ave.,  Chicago,  and  143 
Federal  St.,  Boston;  General  Fire-proofing  Co.,  Jamestown,  Ohio. 

In  order  to  give  something  definite  which  will  be  of  real  service,  the  following 
summary  is  made  with  a  small  building  in  mind  —  one  to  cost  from  $10,000  to  $20,000  — 
and  the  notes  are  given  so  they  may  be  made  into  specifications.  Modifications  for 
smaller  or  larger  buildings  may  easily  be  made,  and  are  occasionally  noted. 

LITERATURE 

There  is  not  an  abundance  of  useful  literature  on  library  buildings,  but  trustees 
should  secure  the  following  excellent  pamphlets  and  books: 

Scule — Library  rooms   and   buildings.       1902.      American   Library   Association,    34 
Newbury  St.,  Boston,  5c. 

Eastman — Library  building  plans.     1906.     N.  Y.  State  Library,  Albany,  25c. 

Note  especially  the  plans  for  small  buildings,  and  those  of  Old  Town,  Me., 
($10,500),  and  Johnstown,  N.  Y.,  ($25,000).  Contains  interior  views  of  a 
branch  cf  the  Carnegie  Library  of  Pittsburgh,  showing  table  lights, 
bulletins,  pericdical  cases  and  loan  desk. 

Library  buildings.     American  Library  Association.     lOc.     Reprinted  from 

its  Proceedings.     1901. 

Koch,  T.  W.     Portfolio  of  Carnegie  libraries.     Wahr,  $2.50. 

The  files  cf  Library  Journal  and  Public  Libraries,  articles  from  which  are  to  be 
reprinted  by  the  A.  L.  A.  Publishing  Board  in  1908,  contain  many  plans  and 
descriptions.  Public  Libraries  of  December,  1901,  is  an  especially  interesting  number. 
(Order  from  Library  Bureau,  156  Wabash  Ave.,  Chicago,  20c.) 

Special  library  numbers  have  been  issued  by  several  architectural  periodicals, 
among  them  the  Architectural  Review  of  January,  1902,  ($2.00)  and  the  Brick  Builder, 
August,  1901,  50c. 

The  Inland  Architect  for  1907-8  has  a  series  of  articles  on  modern  small  libraries, 
and  the  {Brick  Builder  has  frequently  reproduced  plans. 

The  fourth  biennial  report  cf  the  Indiana  Library  Commission  contains  plans  of 
buildings,  among  which  are  two  excellent  ones  for  small  amounts  —  those  of  Plainfield 
'$1,800)  and  Poseyville  ($5,000). 

The  California  State  Library,  in  its  News  Notes,  July,  1906,  published  cuts  and 
floor  plans  of  California  buildings. 

The  Wisconsin  Library  Commission  has  issued  a  pamphlet,  Some  Wisconsin 
Library  Buildings,  containing  exterior  and  interior  views,  but  no  floor  plans. 

The  Carnegie  Library  of  Pittsburgh  has  a  pamphlet  giving  cuts  of  its  branch 
library  buildings,  which  differ  somewhat  from  general  libraries  for  small  cities,  but 
contain  points  which  are  most  desirable  for  any  building. 

The  Saint  Louis  Public  Library  program  of  conditions  and  instructions  to  govern  a 
competition  for  the  selection  of  architects  for  two  branch  library  buildings  (1908)  is  a 
model  of  compact  information  on  a  $60,000  building. 

The  annual  report  of  the  Cleveland  Public  Library  for  1906  contains  plans  and 
views  of  some  of  the  most  attractive  of  recent  buildings  for  branches. 

Some  of  the  architects  whose  addresses  are  given  in  this  pamphlet  have  printed 
booklets  of  views  of  their  buildings.  Patton  &  Miller  will  send  a  copy  of  Mr.  Miller's 
paper  Library  Architecture,  read  before  the  Iowa  Library  Association  in  1902. 

The  best  literature  on  large  buildings  may  be  found  in  the  reports  of  some  public 
libraries  (Grand  Rapids,  Newark,  Louisville)  and  in  the  programs  for  architectural 
competition  published  by  others  (Madison,  Wis.,  Utica,  Seattle).  The  plans  for  the 
Evanston,  111.,  building  have  been  carefully  worked  out.  Any  list  of  such  reports  and 
programs  soon  beccmes  obsolete  on  account  of  the  constant  progress  being  made,  and 
and  the  large  number  of  new  buildings  being  erected. 

CHOOSING     AN      ARCHITECT 

It  is  not  usual,  nor  is  it  advisable,  to  choose  an  architect  by  competition  except 
for  large  buildings  costing  at  least  $75,000.  In  such  cases,  a  consulting  architect  is 
usually  engaged,  conditions  of  competition  are  published,  and  well-known  architects  in- 
vited to  prepare  plans,  the  unsuccessful  competitors  being  allowed  a  definite  sum  for 
their  work.  The  most  approved  procedure  for  securing  plans  is  given  in  the  report  of 


the  Brookline,  Mass.,  Library  for  1907.  (See  note  above  for  list  of  programs  for 
competitions.)  Most  architects  of  any  reputation  will  not  enter  an  open  competition 
for  large  buildings,  and  will  refuse  to  submit  competitive  plans  for  small  buildings. 
This  fact  alcne  is  enough  to  determine  the  board  to  decide  upon  an  architect  rather 
than  a  plan,  and  not  to  attempt  a  contest,  which  is,  at  best,  a  picture  contest,  and  re- 
veals nothing  of  the  ability  of  the  architect  to  construct  a  good  building  fitted  to  local 
conditions.  The  competition  is  in  all  cases  for  choice  of  architect  rather  than  for  a 
plan,  as  the  latter  must  be  decided  upon  by  the  board  and  the  architect  after  many 
consultations  and  much  study.  Other  things  being  equal,  the  number  of  libraries  the 
architect  has  built  will  make  but  little  difference  if  he  is  energetic  and  broad-minded. 
He  shculd  be  a  competent  builder,  cr  the  board  should  have  the  advice  of  a  building 
superintendent,  who  may  be  relied  upon  to  see  that  the  construction  is  perfect,  floors 
are  properly  laid,  heating  plant  is  satisfactorily  installed,  etc.  It  rests  with  the  board 
or  librarian  to  make  clear  just  what  sort  of  an  interior  is  wanted.  The  architect  oi 
many  libraries  will  have  learned  the  needs  and  should  have  become  familiar  with  library 
details.  Unless  competition  is  planned,  it  will  be  best  to  select  the  architect  before 
site  is  bought.  Any  architect  competent  to  plan  a  library  shculd  know  how  to  carry 
out  the  chosen  design  intelligently.  Seme  of  the  exteriors  shown  in  this  pamphlet 
emphasize  sufficiently  the  mistake  of  selecting  an  architect  without  appreciation  of 
design. 

Commissions  will  send  the  names  of  consulting  architects  who  make  a  specialty  of 
library  plans. 

PRELIMINARY   CONSIDERATIONS 

Before  plans  are  drawn,  the  board,  acting  upon  the  advice  of  its  librarian  or  a 
representative  of  the  State  Commission,  should  make  a  statement  as  to  the  rooms 
needed;  the  relative  location  of  these  rooms  necessary  to  economy  in  administration; 
the  number  of  square  feet  and  the  shelving  capacity  for  each;  the  exposure  preferred, 
and  the  natural  light  as  determined  by  the  position  of  book  cases  for  the  present  and 
future.  It  must  be  understood  that  the  library  is  to  be  planned  to  meet  definite  needs, 
and  that  the  floor  plans  must  be  decided  upon  by  some  one  who  understands  these 
needs  and  has  an  idea  of  future  developments.  The  building  committee  should  see  a 
few  good  library  buildings  and  profit  from  the  experience  of  others.  A  satisfactory 
plan  can  be  made  only  by  those  familiar  with  the  daily  work  of  a  well-managed  library, 
and  with  the  ideals  and  purposes  of  the  best  library  workers.  It  is  necessary  to  have 
the  library  point  of  view  —  to  consider  the  work  to  be  done,  to  understand  the  purpose 
of  the  institution.  It  is  much  easier  for  those  who  have  been  connected  with  a  well- 
managed,  growing  library  to  plan  a  new  building.  Buildings  have  changed  with  the 
changed  views  of  library  work.  The  old  idea  of  a  storage  system,  of  collecting  great 
numbers  of  books  and  preserving  them  carefully  out  of  the  sight  and  touch  of  the 
public,  resulted  in  the  buildings  having  reading  rooms  without  shelves  and  an  attempt 
at  a  fire-proof  book  room  absolutely  closed  to  the  reader.  No  children  were  expected 
to  enter  such  buildings,  no  club  rooms  were  provided,  for  such  a  library  was  not  a 
social  center.  The  new  idea  contemplates  educational  work  —  people  now  expect  to 
have  free  access  to  all  of  the  books  of  a  small  library,  and  to  all  of  the  best  and  most 
constantly  used  books  of  the  large  libraries,  in  which  it  may  be  necessary  to  restrict 
access  to  a  limited  number  of  books. 

Instead  of  the  "monument  type"  of  library,  we  have  now  a  library  which  is  the  co- 
operating center  for  all  educational  and  social  work  of  a  community,  requiring  special 
rooms  for  children,  in  connection  with  its  work  for  schools;  class  and  club  rooms,  for 
encouragement  of  study  clubs  and  "continuation  schooling";  audience  rooms,  for 
lectures,  which  shall  stimulate  intellectual  effort;  and  meeting  places  for  civic  improve- 
ment clubs,  classes  from  the  high  school,  country  people,  and,  in  fact,  for  all  educational 
and  public  purposes.  The  modern  librarian  expects  to  conduct  classes  and  to  aid  un- 
trained readers.  All  of  these  changes  in  the  character  of  the  work  have  affected  building 
plans  and  resulted  in  the  modern  type  of  library,  with  books  in  every  room  and  special 
rooms  set  aside  for  children  and  for  students. 

A  public  library  contains  a  working  collection  of  the  best  literature  and  only  a  few 
great  libraries  go  to  the  expense  of  collecting  and  keeping  all  books.  Librarians  now 
assume  that  some  books  will  outwear  their  usefulness  and  must  be  stored  away  in  a  less 
accessible  basement  room.  The  shelves  on  the  main  floor  are  reserved  for  live  books. 

Since  the  past  few  years  have  brought  such  changes,  we  may  expect  greater  ones 
in  the  future.  We  must,  therefore,  build  for  extension,  expansion,  and  different  views 
of  library  work,  omitting  partitions,  which  will  make  changes  expensive,  if  not  im- 


possible.  The  building  should  not  be  cut  up  into  small  rooms,  preventing  light,  ven- 
tilation, and  oversight,  as  well  as  changes,  but  should  consist,  in  so  far  as  possible,  of 
one  large  room  for  the  first  floor.  If  the  library  contains  more  books  than  this  room 
can  accommodate  on  wall  shelves,  and  the  rate  of  increase  is  high,  it  will  be  necessary 
to  add  floor  cases  in  the  main  book-room,  or,  possibly,  a  stack  for  close  storage.  It  is 
expected,  however,  that  a  large  number  of  books  will  be  worn  out  and  discarded  each 
year,  and  that  it  will  be  necessary  to  have  branches  and  stations  in  towns  of  con- 
siderable size. 

One  more  point  in  this  preliminary  consideration  of  the  purposes  of  a  library  may 
not  be  out  of  place;  that  is,  to  warn  the  trustees  that  every  interest  in  the  town  will 
ask  for  quarters  in  the  new  building;  it  will  be  expected  to  house  the  gymnasium,  the 
amusement  room,  and  various  other  worthy  enterprises.  It  must  be  remembered  that 
the  first  purpose  of  the  building  is  to  care  for  the  library,  the  educational  work  of 
which  will  tax  its  capacity  to  the  utmost.  Museums  are  often  connected  with  libraries, 
but  they  cannot  be  provided  with  the  limited  funds  usually  at  the  disposal  of  library 
boards  in  small  towns.  The  gymnasium  and  amusement  room  have  no  place  in  a 
library  building,  as  they  invariably  cause  noise  and  confusion,  and  their  purposes  are 
totally  different  from  those  of  institutions  with  which  the  library  is  naturally  closely 
allied.  The  building  must,  first  of  all,  be  a  good  library  building  with  suitable  furniture 
and  fittings. 

FIRST      PRINCIPLES 

The  elementary  principles  of  library  architecture  are  simple  and  quite  universally 
agreed  upon.  The  following  points  brought  out  by  a  committee  of  the  American 
Library  Association  deserve  attention: 

"Every  library  building  should  be  planned  especially  for  the  kind  of  work 
to  be  done,  and  the  community  to  be  served. 

The  interior  arrangement  should  be  planned  before  the  exterior  is  con- 
sidered. 

Plans  should  provide  for  future  growth  and  development. 

A  library  should  be  carefully  planned  for  economical  administration. 

Public  rooms  should  be  planned  for  complete  supervision  by  the  fewest 
possible  attendants. 

No  convenience  of  arrangement  should  be  sacrificed  for  architectural  effect. 

There  should  be  no  such  decoration  of  reading  rooms  or  working  rooms  as 
will  attract  sight-seers  to  disturb  readers  and  attendants. 

There  should  be  good  natural  light  in  all  parts  of  the  building.  Windows 
should  extend  to  the  ceiling,  to  light  the  upper  portions  of  every  room.  In  a 
book-room  or  stack,  windows  should  be  opposite  the  aisles. 

No  shelf  should  be  placed  so  high  as  to  be  out  of  reach  of  a  person  of 
medium  height  standing  on  the  floor. 

Flights  of  stairs  should  be  straight  and  not  circular. 

Communication  by  telephone  or  speaking  tube  should  be  arranged  between 
the  working-rooms." 

SIZE      OF      BUILDING 

With  a  building  fund  of  less  than  $20,000,  it  is  unwise  to  attempt  a  two-story 
building.  The  $5,000  building  should  have  one  good-sized  room  over  a  high  basement. 
A  $10,000  building  will  be  similar,  with  a  finished  basement  containing  audience  and 
class  rooms.  It  is  probably  better  to  have  the  high  basement  which  can  be  utilized  for 
such  purposes,  than  to  attempt  the  two  stories  over  a  cellar.  A  high  basement  adds 
greatly  to  the  appearance  of  a  one-story  building,  and  there  is  no  reason  why  it  should 
not  be  made  useful.  No  stack  should  be  included  in  a  building  costing  under  $20,000, 
though  the  book  room  at  the  rear  should  be  planned  so  that  it  will  accommodate  double- 
face  floor  cases  for  storage.  When  the  stack  is  to  be  used  in  the  future,  the  building 
should  be  constructed  to  bear  the  weight  of  a  stack  extending  through  the  two  stories. 

The  problem  of  building  the  library  to  cost  more  than  $20,000  is  somewhat  different, 
as  it  involves  the  care  of  a  greater  number  of  books,  a  more  rapidly  increasing  col- 
lection, service  for  a  more  scattered  population,  a  larger  library  staff,  and  special 
collections  of  books.  A  two-story  building  will  be  possible  and  it  should  contain  the 
rooms  noted  in  the  section  on  Arrangement.  If  the  building  fund  is  not  sufficient  for 


the  space  desired,  it  is  better  to  leave  part  of  the  building  unfinished,  if  there  is  any 
chance  at  all  of  securing  money  in  the  future,  and  to  have  the  necessary  space  on  the 
main  floor. 

The  $10,00  to  $15,000  building  should  contain  2,300  to  2,800  square  feet.  Height.  The 
basement  should  be  at  least  5'  above  the  ground,  preferably  5'  6",  and  about  10'  high  in 
the  clear.  9'  will  be  enough  if  it  is  to  be  used  for  club  rooms  only,  and  not  for  assembly 
rooms,  and  8'  will  do  for  storage  purposes.  It  would  seem  better  to  build  10'  and  to 
be  able  to  use  the  basement  for  any  purpose.  The  main  floor  of  the  one-story  building 
should  be  from  12'  to  13'  high,  in  the  clear;  probably  13'  is  better.  If  the  collection  of 
books  is  unusually  large  and  is  increasing  rapidly,  it  may  be  better  to  have  the  book 
room  16'  high  to  allow  for  the  second  story  of  book  cases  in  the  future.  Higher  rooms 
are  not  necessary  from  any  point  of  view.  Depth.  A  space  cf  12'  is  the  minimum  to  be 
allowed  frcm  the  doer  to  the  delivery  desk;  16'  is  the  minimum  from  the  delivery  desk 
to  the  rear  shelves  —  20'  wculd  be  preferable,  and  more  space  desirable,  as  the  best 
quiet  study  space  in  the  building  will  be  at  the  rear  of  the  floor  cases,  and  8'  should  be 
allowed  fcr  this  if  possible.  Allowance  must  be  made  for  aisles  and  from  8'  to  9'  for 
floor  cases  to  be  used  when  building  is  shelved  to  its  fullest  capacity.  In  planning  the 
width  cf  the  bock  room  it  is  necessary  to  allow  from  4'  to  5'  in  the  clear  between  floor 
cases,  and  1'  6"  for  each  case. 

It  is  well  to  plan  for  ledge  cases  to  alternate  with  ethers,  and  these  will  require 
more  space. 

Vestibule  with  stairway  to  basement  audience  rocm  (60  to  75  sq.  ft.  exclusive  of 
stairway).  Delivery  room  (225  to  275  sq.  ft.).  Book  room  back  of  delivery  room, 
without  partition.  It  is  a  general  reading  room  (400  to  450  sq.  ft.  Capacity  2000  to 
2500  volumes).  Reading  room  at  one  side  of  delivery  room  without  partition  (375  to 
425  sq.  ft.).  Broad  low  windows  in  front,  high  windows  at  side.  Capacity  2500  volumes. 
Reference  room  adjoining  reading  room  with  wide  opening  or  arch  between  (275  to  300 
sq.  ft.  Capacity  1500  volumes).  One  side  of  main  book  room  is  used  for  this  reference 
corner.  Children's  room  opposite  reading  room  (475  to  500  sq.  ft.  Capacity  2000 
volumes).  Class  room,  if  provided,  should  be  next  to  children's  room.  Librarian's  work 
room  and  board  room  combined,  (175  to  200  sq.  ft.  Capacity  500  volumes)  adjoining 
children's  room  and  opening  into  it  and  into  book  room.  Shall  contain  shelving,  closet, 
supply  cupboard,  and  lift  from  unpacking  room  in  basement.  Conversation  or  committee 
room,  or  librarian's  office  may  be  used  for  this.  Coat  room  opening  into  delivery  room 
and  overlooked  from  loan  desk. 

CAPACITY 

To  determine  the  shelving  capacity,  count  on  eight  books  to  the  running  foot. 
Some  librarians  estimate  ten,  but  this  seems  too  high.  One-third  of  each  shelf  should 
remain  vacant  to  avoid  constant  shifting  of  books  as  additions  are  made.  The  cases  are 
usually  built  seven  shelves  high,  making  56  volumes  to  the  foot  for  the  wall  shelving, 
and  112  volumes  a  foot  for  the  double-face  cases.  This  is  practically  full  capacity,  as 
over-size  books  must  be  taken  into  consideration.  The  building  should  provide  for  the 
growth  of  at  least  ten  years,  but  it  must  be  taken  into  account  that  there  will  be  con- 
stant withdrawals  as  well  as  accessions. 

In  figuring  seating  capacity  at  tables,  3  feet  are  allowed  for  each  chair.  The  aisles 
between  tables  should  be  at  last  5  ft.  wide,  but  6  ft.  is  better.  Seating  capacity  for 
audience  rooms  is  usually  estimated  at  the  rate  of  6  square  feet  for  each  person.  This 
allows  for  aisles,  but  is  exclusive  of  platforms. 

COST 

The  average  cost  of  the  building  proper  will  be  from  11  to  14  cents  per  cubic  foot. 
The  average  cost  of  six  $10,000  buildings  in  the  Middle  West  was  12.14  cents  per  cubic 
foot  unfurnished  and  13.52  cents  per  cubic  foot  complete.  Larger  buildings,  more  solidly 
built,  with  better  finish,  and  having  different  heating  plants,  etc.,  of  brick  or  stone,  will 
cost  from  20c  to  25c  per  cubic  foot. 

The  contracts  differ  somewhat,  but  for  small  libraries  they  usually  include  the 
finished  building  with  heating  plant,  wiring,  plumbing,  finish  hardware,  shelving  and  all 
mill  work,  including  loan  desk,  periodical  cases,  all  special  cases  against  the  wall,  hall 
seats,  etc. 

It  is  usual  to  reserve  from  10  to  12  per  cent,  of  the  total  fund  for  expenses  not  in- 
cluded in  the  contract,  architect's  fees,  cork  carpet,  light  fixtures,  decoration,  shades, 

10 


screens,  double  windows,  grading,  curbing,  walks,  drives,  and  movable  furniture  (chairs, 
tables,  catalogue  cases,  etc.) 

The  architect's  fees  are  usually  charged  according  to  the  schedule  of  minimum 
charges  of  the  American  Institute  of  Architects  —  five  per  cent,  upon  cost  for  full 
professional  services;  three  and  one-half  per  cent,  for  preliminary  studies,  working 
drawings,  specifications  and  details.  For  buildings  costing  less  than  $10,000,  special 
rates  in  excess  of  these  may  be  made. 

The  reserve  fund  should  be  ample,  as  there  are  sure  to  be  some  items  which  have 
not  been  taken  into  account.  The  Carnegie  gifts  have  usually  covered  finished  and 
furnished  buildings  ready  for  use,  though  some  of  those  described  in  this  pamphlet  have 
unfinished  basements.  It  will  be  best  to  make  a  list  of  everything  to  be  provided  out- 
side the  contract,  so  that  the  architect  may  know  exactly  what  is  to  be  covered  by  the 
contract  and  how  much  money  he  may  expect  to  have  for  the  building  proper.  The 
items  under  cost  in  the  descriptive  notes  are  as  full  as  could  be  secured,  as  they  will 
prove  useful  for  comparison.  They  are  especially  full  for  plans  XIII  and  XVIII. 

LOCATION 

The  building  should  be  centrally  located  on,  or  near,  the  main  street.  Quiet  is 
desirable,  but  accessibility  is  essential.  A  corner  lot  is  a  decided  advantage,  and  one 
large  enough  to  allow  at  least  20'  clear  space  all  around  the  building,  for  purposes  of 
light  and  extension.  Probably  more  than  this  should  be  allowed  at  the  rear  and  sides 
for  future  extension.  It  is  important  to  consider  surroundings  for  the  future,  as  well 
as  for  the  present,  since  certain  industries  and  business  occupations  are  very  undesirable 
neighbors  for  a  library. 

STYLE      OF      ARCHITECTURE 

The  location  will  help  to  determine  the  style  of  architecture.  It  is  considered  the 
best  policy  to  make  the  library  an  inviting,  homelike,  social  institution,  rather  than  an 
architectural  monument.  It  should  be  architecturally  so  perfect  as  to  be  educative  and 
to  add  to  the  beauty  of  the  city.  To  be  architecturally  perfect,  a  building  must  be 
adapted  to  its  purpose,  and  a  library  building  should  not  look  like  a  dwelling  house. 
The  building  fund  will  also  affect  the  design  —  the  classical  being  more  expensive  than 
English  Gothic  and  some  other  styles.  There  are  three  types  of  buildings  to  be  con- 
sidered from  the  standpoint  of  outlines. 

The  most  desirable  building  from  every  point  of  view  is  the  rectangular  building 
without  breaks  or  extensions,  as  shown  in  plans  V  to  IX,  XI  to  XIII,  XVI  to  XVII 
and  XIX.  It  is  more  economically  constructed  than  any  other  form  and  allows  for 
future  extension.  The  interior  is  one  large  room,  the  space  in  which  may  be  adjusted 
to  meet  any  needs.  The  fact  that  the  majority  of  buildings  are  on  this  plan  points  to 
some  advantage. 

The  second  type  of  building  has  a  rectangular  extension  at  the  rear,  in  the  center  of 
the  building.  This  extension  is  usually  for  the  book  room.  (See  plans  II,  III,  X, 
XVIII.)  This  plan  is  not  quite  so  generally  used  as  the  first,  because  additional  expense 
of  extending  the  walls  of  the  side  rooms  is  not  great,  and  the  space  is  very  much  needed 
for  librarian's  room  and  study.  This  second  form  is  the  one  which  the  first  type  will 
take  when  it  is  extended  in  the  future,  though  it  may,  of  course,  happen  that  the  ex- 
tension will  need  to  be  for  reading  space  rather  than  for  book  storage. 

The  third  type  of  building  is  that  with  the  semi-circular  rear  extension  making 
provision  for  a  radiating  stack  or  book  room  as  shown  in  plans  IV,  XIV  and  XV.  This 
is  expensive  and  has  no  particular  advantage  for  the  small  building,  though  the  ad- 
vantage cf  better  light  and  oversight  are  claimed  for  it  when  used  for  a  stack.  Mr. 
Eastman's  pamphlet,  previously  noted,  contains  many  plans  of  buildings  with  radiating 
stacks,  and  others  of  irregular  outline  suited  to  special  space  or  grounds. 

The  ideal  small  building  is  plain  in  outline,  has  no  breaks  or  jogs,  and  has  windows 
properly  placed  for  lighting  floor  cases  when  it  is  filled  to  its  fullest  capacity.  The 
dome  is  usually  avoided  because  of  great  expense  of  construction  and  undesirable  effect 
upon  interior  arrangement. 

MATERIALS      OF      CONSTRUCTION 

The  materials  of  construction  must  vary  with  the  locality.  Most  of  the  buildings 
included  in  the  pamphlet  are  brick  with  stone  or  terra  cotta  trimmings,  the  latter  re- 

11 


ducing  the  cost  somewhat  when  used  in  large  quantities  with  repeating  ornament. 
Some  of  the  old  buildings  were  of  stone,  but  this  is  seldom  attempted  now.  The  build- 
ings which  cost  under  $5,000  should  usually  be  built  of  wood,  or  cement  plaster  on 
metal  lath. 

It  is  not  at  all  necessary  to  provide  for  fire-proof  construction.  The  larger  build- 
ings are  generally  slow-burning,  with  fire-proof  stacks,  but  the  small  ones  may  be  of 
ordinary  construction,  with  boiler  rooms  made  fire-proof  if  desired.  The  few  books  and 
records  of  any  value  may  be  kept  in  a  vault,  and  the  average  small  library  does  not  con- 
tain anything  which  could  not  be  easily  replaced. 

The  tile  roof  is  usually  specified  if  funds  permit,  though  many  of  the  small  build- 
ings have  slate  roofs.  Certain  grades  of  roof  tile  are  nearly  as  cheap  as  slate,  depend- 
ing upon  freight  rates.  It  is  usually  impossible  with  $10,000  to  $20,000  to  provide  stone 
columns  and  elaborate  decorations  or  finish  of  any  sort.  The  interior  wood-work  and 
finish  should  be  of  the  best  (see  notes  on  floors),  and  it  is  important  to  the  appearance, 
at  least,  to  have  plate  glass  for  the  low  windows. 

ENTRANCES 

High,  steep  steps  outside  are  so  unsightly  that  many  of  the  small  buildings, 
especially  in  the  snowy  countries,  have  a  few  steps  inside,  though  it  is  sometimes  con- 
sidered a  disadvantage  to  have  the  steps  in  the  entrance  hall.  Libraries  should  always 
have  this  hall  or  vestibule  to  protect  the  people  inside  the  building  from  noise,  con- 
fusion and  drafts.  It  usually  contains  a  side  stairway  to  the  basement,  when  this  is 
used  for  class  rooms  or  audience  room,  and  the  stairway  to  second  floor.  These  stair- 
ways should  never  open  into  the  library  rooms  proper,  but  entrance  to  them  should  be 
possible  when  the  library  rooms  are  closed.  They  should  be  wide  and  well-lighted. 
Control  of  the  entrances  to  all  stairways  should  be  possible  from  the  loan  desk,  glass 
doors  being  used  between  delivery  room  and  vestibule.  Some  entrances  are  greatly  dis- 
figured by  having  the  basement  stairway  directly  in  the  center  of  the  hall. 

There  should  always  be  a  separate,  outside,  ianitor's  entrance  to  the  basement,  and 
this  should  serve  as  additional  exit  from  the  audience  room.  Occasionally  the  only 
public  entrance  to  the  basement  is  an  outside  one  separate  from  the  main  entrance  and 
connected  with  the  first  floor  by  service  stairway  (see  plan  VII).  Some  large  libraries 
have  separate  entrances  for  children's  room  and  for  basement  reading  rooms.  Small 
buildings  should  have  but  one  public  entrance,  thus  avoiding  additional  expense  of 
building  and  oversight.  All  doors  from  audience  rooms  should  swing  out. 

ARRANGEMENT      AND      REQUISITES 

As  the  object  of  the  library  is  to  serve  the  public  most  satisfactorily,  quickly  and 
economically,  the  arrangement  of  rooms  must  be  determined  by  the  needs  of  the  public, 
the  size  of  the  staff,  and  the  character  of  the  work.  The  most  important  requisites  are 
good  natural  light  at  all  points,  especially  at  the  loan  desk  where  the  clerical  work  is 
done,  and  supervision  of  the  entire  floor  from  the  central  loan  desk  in  all  libraries  in 
which  there  is  but  one  attendant.  In  such  small  libraries  the  librarian  is  always  at  the 
loan  desk  during  library  hours,  so  it  is  not  necessary  to  provide  for  oversight  of 
library  rooms  from  the  librarian's  office,  which  is  simply  a  work  room  to  be  used  when 
the  library  is  not  open  to  the  public.  If  the  permanent  staff  consists  of  more  than  one 
person,  the  library  should  be  planned  for  oversight  of  certain  definite  space  by  each 
attendant,  and  by  the  smallest  number  of  attendants. 

The  next  consideration  is  that  of  storage  room  for  the  required  number  of  volumes, 
to  be  estimated  as  noted  above,  and  seating  capacity  for  the  largest  number  of  people 
that  will  probably  frequent  the  library  regularly.  The  books  most  used  should  be 
stored  around  the  walls  of  the  so-called  reading  rooms,  so  that  the  people  may  help 
themselves.  This  saves  time  and  effort  on  the  part  of  the  attendants,  who  are  too 
much  occupied  to  act  as  pages,  and  who  are  better  employed  in  other  capacities. 

The  floor  cases  must  be  placed  at  right  angles  with  the  windows  for  satisfactory 
light,  and  with  the  loan  desk  so  that  the  librarian  may  control  the  alcoves. 

Ample  space  should  be  provided  in  the  children's  room,  as  children  usually  come 
within  a  limited  number  of  hours,  and  must  practically  all  be  provided  for  at  the  same 
time.  The  work  for  children  should  be  done  in  one  particular  part  of  the  building. 

Provision  must  be  made  for  quiet,  and  for  centralization  of  all  business  which 
requires  conversation  or  public  access  to  the  books;  coat  rooms,  class  rooms,  and 
audience  rooms  for  the  convenience  of  the  public;  a  room  in  which  conversation  may 

12 


be  allowed,  for  the  use  of  committees  and  for  adults  who  meet  at  the  library  by  appoint- 
ment. There  must  be  a  quiet  corner  or  room  for  study.  Periodicals  and  newspapers 
should  be  provided  for  in  the  general  reading  room.  There  should  be  an  exhibit  room 
or  space  for  cases  for  special  collections.  A  vault  should  be  built  for  the  local  history 
collection  and  the  few  library  records.  There  must  be  work  rooms,  toilet  room 
for  the  staff,  storage  room,  and  space  for  catalogue  cases  accessible  to  loan  desk,  book 
and  reading  rooms.  The  work  room  may  be  combined  with  the  catalogue  room  and 
should  be  on  the  main  floor  if  possible,  and  near  the  loan  desk,  with  door  in  position  to 
give  a  view  of  desk  from  the  room.  Larger  libraries  have  catalogue  room,  newspaper 
room,  periodical  room  and  stack  on  the  first  floor,  and  on  the  second  floor  provide  for 
exhibit  hall,  audience  room,  class  rooms,  staff  room,  stack,  and  room  for  special 
collections. 

Partitions  are  objectionable  and  should  be  omitted,  in  so  far  as  possible,  as  they 
prevent  re-arrangement  of  space,  increase  expense  of  oversight,  and  make  it  more 
difficult  to  light  and  ventilate.  The  small  library  needs  but  one  enclosed  room  on  the 
main  floor,  for  work  room,  board  meetings,  etc.  If  partitions  are  used,  the  main  book 
room  at  the  rear  should  be  the  largest  room,  and  should  be  connected  with  all  other 
rooms,  overlapping  reading  rooms  at  either  side  of  delivery  room. 

There  should  be  wide,  open  space  between  the  delivery  desk  and  all  adjoining 
rooms  to  give  sufficient  light,  and  opportunity  for  oversight.  Many  of  the  larger 
libraries  which  have  partitions,  use  plate  glass,  except  for  librarian's  room,  in  which 
privacy  should  be  possible  (See  plan  XVI.  For  unfortunate  use  of  partitions,  see  plan 
X  and  compare  it  with  plan  VI). 

No  stairway  should  be  used  between  rooms  which  it  may  be  necessary  to  throw 
together  in  the  future  (See  plan  XII). 

The  service  stairway  is  not  essential  in  a  small  building. 

Illustrations  in  plans  V,  VI  and  VII  show  the  beamed  ceilings  usually  found  in  the 
large  one-room  libraries.  The  interior  wood  work  is  preferably  of  oak,  though  many 
libraries  have  used  birch,  which  is  particularly  attractive  when  it  is  stained  mahogany 
and  used  with  green  walls  and  green  cork  carpet.  The  corticene,  or  cork  carpet,  is 
used  for  bulletins  above  shelves  and  to  cover  vacant  shelves. 

An  opening  into  a  flue  makes  a  convenient  place  for  dusting  books. 

To  meet  the  needs  noted  above,  the  $10,000-$15,000  library  is  usually  planned  as 
follows: 

Basement.  High,  light,  dry  basement  containing:  Hall  or  vestibule  from  the  main 
entrance  or  stairway  and  from  side  entrance.  Audience  room  with  platform  and 
dressing  room.  Class  room  as  near  audience  room  as  possible.  (Some  libraries  have 
farmers'  rooms,  rest  rooms  or  club  rooms  also).  Storage  room  for  books  not  in  con- 
stant use.  A  work  room,  for  unpacking  books,  sorting  magazines,  etc.,  directly  under 
the  librarian's  office,  or  catalogue  room,  with  a  book  lift.  This  lift  should  carry  to 
second  floor  of  building.  Toilet  rooms.  Boiler  room.  Fuel  room.  Janitor's  storage 
room  for  chairs,  double  windows,  etc.  Janitor's  entrance  way.  Janitor's  work  room. 
In  some  places  bicycle  space  must  be  provided.  Large  libraries  have  first  floor  of  stack 
in  basement,  and  often  a  bindery. 

A  failure  to  utilize  the  basement  is  a  defect  (see  plan  IX),  but  some  librarians  con- 
sider it  unwise  to  attempt  the  large  audience  rooms.  There  is  no  criticism  of  them  in 
any  of  the  buildings  included,  though  it  is  undoubtedly  difficult  to  arrange  for  proper 
ventilation,  and  heating  is  poor  with  any  system  except  hot  water.  The  basement  must 
be  absolutely  dry  and  the  walls  damp  proof.  It  must  be  well  lighted  and  heated.  The 
janitor's  entrance  should  be  ample  to  provide  for  additional  entrance  to  lecture  room. 
A  vault  is  desirable,  and  should  be  provided  off  the  storeroom  if  possible.  Disinfecting 
closet  is  ordinarily  in  the  basement.  All  rooms  should  open  into  a  hall.  Entrance 
through  other  rooms  should  be  avoided. 

Main  Floor.  The  main  floor,  except  for  librarian's  room,  should  be  one  large 
room,  with  vestibule  and  office  enclosed,  but  may  be  divided  by  book  cases,  periodical 
cases,  etc.,  into  spaces  as  given  under  Size  with  minimum  number  of  square  feet  as 
indicated. 

FLOORS 

Main  Floor.  The  best  floor  covering  within  the  means  of  a  small  library  is  un- 
doubtedly the  corticene  or  cork  carpet  noted  above.  Matting  and  ordinary  carpets  are 
objectionable  because  they  accumulate  and  scatter  dirt,  and  will  not  wear.  The  hard- 

13 


wood  floor  is  desirable  except  for  the  noise.  The  best  quality  of  plain  cork  carpet, 
without  a  pattern,  costs  about  $1.10  a  square  yard  and  is  extremely  durable,  easily 
cleaned,  and  practically  noiseless.  It  is  important  to  secure  the  best  and  thickest 
quality  without  pattern.  This  should  be  used  for  the  entire  first  floor  and  all  reading 
rooms,  delivery  rooms,  etc.  It  is  not  necessary  to  have  hardwood  floor  under  it.  Some 
of  the  new  libraries  have  the  cork  carpet  with  narrow  border  of  hardwood  at  the  edges. 
Opinions  differ  in  regard  to  the  treatment  of  cork  carpet.  The  usual  recommendation 
is  to  refit  it  after  it  has  been  on  the  floor  a  few  days,  and  to  oil  with  boiled  linseed  oil 
and  turpentine  in  equal  parts  before  being  used,  and  once  or  twice  each  year,  after  a 
thorough  cleaning.  Some  places  report  better  success  without  the  use  of  oil,  but  the 
carpet  must  be  refitted  before  use. 

Basement.  Cement  floors  should  be  co-extensive  with  the  building.  In  club-rooms, 
class-rooms,  audience  rooms,  etc.,  the  sleepers  for  hardwood  floor  should  be  laid  on 
cement  floor  to  provide  air  space  between  floors;  on  these  sleepers  a  lining  floor  of 
common  boards;  and  between  this  and  hardwood  floor,  waterproof  paper.  Almost  with- 
out exception,  basement  floors  have  bulged  where  this  has  not  been  done.  Dampness 
in  basement  is  the  cause  of  some  of  the  greatest  problems  of  buildings  (use  of  basement 
in  summer  being  frequently  impossible  because  of  dampness),  and  is  largely,  if  not 
completely,  avoided  by  use  of  concrete  floor  throughout. 

HEATING    AND     VENTILATING* 

A  central  heating  plant  for  public  buildings,  or  connection  with  city  plant  will 
prove  most  advantageous.  When  the  large  library  must  provide  its  own  plant,  a 
separate  building  is  desirable.  A  hot  water  system  is  generally  considered  better  than 
steam,  as  it  is  more  easily  regulated  in  mild  weather  and  costs  less  to  operate.  Initial 
expense  is  about  a  third  more,  and  it  requires  more  radiating  space.  It  is  likely  to 
freeze  if  neglected  in  cold  weather,  and  will  do  a  great  amount  of  damage  if  it  does 
freeze. 

Furnaces  are  never  satisfactory  for  heating  the  basement,  and  seldom  for  the  first 
story,  except  in  mild  climates,  but  they  are  recommended  for  very  small  buildings 
($5,000  or  less)  which  are  not  open  every  day,  nor  all  day.  They  require  less  care,  are 
free  from  danger  of  freezing,  and  are  cheaper  to  install. 

Blast  heating  by  means  of  a  fan  blowing  air  through  steam  coils  gives  the  best 
possible  heating  and  ventilating  system,  but  cost  of  installation  and  operation  seems  to 
make  this  system  out  of  the  question  for  buildings  costing  under  $25,000. 

A  great  improvement  can  be  made  by  making  the  boiler  room  lower  than  the  rest 
of  the  basement,  so  that  the  water  line  in  the  boiler  is  lower  than  balance  of  floor:  the 
radiators  may  then  be  set  on  the  floor  instead  of  being  hung  from  the  ceiling. 

Satisfactory  heating  of  the  basement  is  by  no  means  easy.  It  is  impossible  with 
hot  air,  and  frequently  impossible  with  steam. 

Radiators  should  be  placed  to  allow  as  much  unbroken  shelving  as  possible,  and 
should  be  painted  with  aluminum  paint,  or  to  harmonize  with  wood  work  or  color 
scheme,  thus  being  made  less  obtrusive.  Where  they  are  within  10  inches  of  the  shelv- 
ing, they  should  be  covered  with  metal  shield  and  hood  lined  with  asbestos.  Shelving 
over  radiators  is,  however,  never  entirely  satisfactory  and  space  would  be  better  used 
for  bulletins. 

Stacks  of  coils  or  pin  radiators  may  be  placed  in  convenient  closets  in  the  base- 
ment, connected  with  the  outside  air,  which  after  passing  through  the  radiators,  can  be 
admitted  either  to  the  basement  or  first  story,  with  heated  vent  pipes  in  basement  and 
fireplaces  in  first  story.  This  will  give  a  fair  system  of  ventilation  and  can  be  installed 
at  an  expense  that  is  permissible  in  buildings  costing  $10,000  and  over.  Such  an  ar- 
rangement would  cost  less  than  hot  water,  and  is  better. 

Suspended  radiators  add  to  convenience  in  fitting  cork  carpets  and  in  cleaning. 

Ventilators  can  be  placed  in  ceilings  of  first  story  and  the  air  exhausted  by  means 
of  an  electric  fan,  through  the  roof,  or  in  the  basement  through  a  special  vent  flue. 

Good  ventilation  is  essential  and  is  most  unusual,  the  chief  criticism  on  buildings 
being  the  lack  of  a  proper  system.  It  is  usually  out  of  the  question  to  have  any  system 
of  forced  ventilation  in  a  small  building,  and  it  becomes  necessary  to  depend  entirely 
upon  flues,  windows  and  fireplaces,  which  are  desirable  for  ventilation,  heat  and 


*  Mr.  L,ouis  W.  Claude  of  Madison,  Wis.,  contributed  notes  on  heating  and  ventilating. 

14 


attractiveness.     The  windows  should  be  easily  opened  and  should  slide  up  and  down 
and  not  swing  on  hinges,  or  operate  with  transom  rods,  or  chain  fastenings. 

PLUMBING 

One  objectionable  feature  is  the  public  toilet  room.  It  has  invariably  proven  a 
great  nuisance,  and  is  so  generally  closed  after  short  experience  with  it,  that  the  ex- 
pense of  putting  it  in  is  considered  unwise.  Under  no  circumstances  should  a  toilet 
room  be  put  on  the  main  floor. 

Economy  in  plumbing  will  make  it  necessary  to  avoid  pipes  in  many  different  parts 
of  the  building.  There  should  be  running  water  in  the  janitor's  room,  librarian's  room 
and  work  room.  Possibly,  also,  in  or  near  the  children's  room,  as  it  is  often  necessary 
to  ask  children  to  wash  their  hands  before  handling  books.  Some  libraries  have  the 
cabinet  wash  bowl  built  in  with  the  shelving  in  the  children's  room.  Wash  bowls  for 
these  rooms  should  always  be  placed  where  they  can  be  overlooked  by  the  attendant. 

LIGHTING* 

Good  natural  light  is  the  first  essential  in  a  library  building.  High  windows,  ex- 
tending to  the  ceiling,  are  desirable  for  light,  and  enable  increased  shelving  capacity. 
Low  windows  should  be  used  only  at  the  front,  or  on  the  one  side  of  the  building 
which  has  the  most  attractive  outlook.  Windows  at  sides  and  rear  of  buildings  are 
usually  high  enough  to  allow  for  wall  shelving  underneath.  7'  2"  is  the  minimum  height 
for  this  purpose,  and  7'  6"  the  maximum.  Windows  are  placed  at  the  rear  of  the 
building,  or  at  the  rear  of  the  book  room,  wherever  that  may  be,  in  proper  position  for 
lighting  the  aisles  between  floor  cases  when  the  library  is  shelved  to  its  fullest  capacity 
(See  plans  VI  and  X).  As  these  aisles  should  be  from  4'  to  5'  wide  for  access  to 
shelves,  and  a  minimum  of  3'  for  close  storage,  the  future  purpose  of  the  room  must 
determine  the  placing  of  windows.  These  windows  should  not  run  to  the  floor  (see 
interior  of  plan  XII),  but  they  cannot  be  high  enough  in  the  rear  walls  for  standard 
shelving  of  full  height  underneath  (see  view  in  plan  XVII),  if  they  are  to  light  alcoves 
in  a  small  library,  with  13',  or  less,  between  floor  and  ceiling.  The  best  light  for  the 
loan  desk  usually  comes  frcm  these  rear  windows,  which  should,  therefore,  extend  to 
the  ceiling.  The  light  will  not  carry  over  30'.  Large  panes  of  glass  are  better  tfian  the 
diamond  panes,  which  are  so  attractive  in  many  of  the  illustrations.  A  skylight  is  not 
recommended;  it  usually  leaks,  cannot  be  kept  clean,  and  makes  the  delivery  room  too 
hot  for  comfort  during  the  summer  months. 

Prism  glass  may  be  used  for  sides  or  rear  windows  when  it  is  necessary  to  carry 
light  a  great  distance,  or  when  light  is  insufficient  on  account  of  obstructions,  lack  of 
space,  etc. 

Electricity  gives  the  best  artificial  light.  Aisles  between  book  cases  must  be  well 
lighted  in  the  center.  There  shculd  be  case  lights  (also  spoken  of  as  shelf  lights  or 
bracket  lights)  abcve  the  wall  shelves,  projecting  enough  to  light  bottom  shelves,  for 
each  6'  of  shelving,  and  seme  special  kind  of  ever-head  light  for  reading  purposes. 
Fixed  table  lights  have  been  very  generally  used,  but  when  the  proper  kind  of  diffused 
light  may  be  had,  they  are  not  necessary.  The  most  usually  noted  disadvantages  of 
table  lights  are  that  they  necessitate  fixed  position  of  furniture  (which  is  not  particularly 
objectionable  except  in  increasing  the  difficulties  of  cleaning  the  floors),  make  it  im- 
possible to  shift  the  tables  fcr  better  light,  and  to  distribute  the  wear  of  a  carpet. 
Where  both  ever-head  and  table  lights  are  used,  the  over-head  lights  are  often  turned 
out  for  reasons  of  economy,  and  the  library  has  a  gloomy,  uninviting  appearance.  The 
only  valid  objection  to  them  is  the  fact  that  they  are  not  entirely  satisfactory  for 
reading. 

It  is  claimed  that  a  diffused,  even  li?ht  from  above  is  better  for  the  eyes  than  con- 
centrated, shaded  light  from  the  side.  The  lamps  used  for  over-head  light  are  either 
Nernst  or  incandescent.  The  chief  objections  to  the  Nernst  lamps  are  expense  of  in- 
stallation, the  fact  that  they  cannct  be  used  with  ordinary  fixtures,  and  require  the 
frequent  services  cf  an  expert,  unless  they  are  maintained  by  the  local  electric  com- 
pany. They  can  be  used  with  alternating  current  only. 

Tantalum  and  Tungsten  kmps  are  in- proved  incandescent  lamps,  differing  from  the 
ordinary  inrandescent  in  the  material  and  arrangement  of  the  filament.  They  may  be 
used  with  either  alternating  cr  direct  current,  do  not  requii%  the  services  cf  an  expert, 


*   The    notes    on    Nernst.     Tantalum,     and     Tungsten     lights     were     furnished     by     Miss 
Katherine  I.  MacDonald  of  Madison.  Wis. 

15 


and  give  more  light  for  the  same  amount  of  current.  The  Tantalum  gives  about  twice 
as  much  light  as  the  ordinary  incandescent,  with  the  consumption  of  the  same  amount 
of  current.  The  limitation  of  the  Tantalum  lamp  is  its  sensitiveness  to  high  voltage. 
In  the  alternating  system  it  is  not  so  satisfactory  with  large  circuits  as  its  life  is  im- 
periled, but  with  a  60-circuit  system  it  works  admirably.  The  Tungsten  lamp  is  not  so 
sensitive  to  current,  but  must  be  set  vertically  and  must  be  kept  in  this  position.  It  is 
so  delicate  that  it  must  be  packed  and  transported  with  the  greatest  care.  The  light  is 
brilliant  and  white,  and  is  said  to  be  nearest  to  sunlight  of  any  artificial  light  yet  pro- 
duced. The  Tantalum  light  costs  somewhat  less  than  the  Tungsten.  Either  of  these 
lights  would  be  desirable,  as  improvement  in  lighting  seems  to  be  advancing  along  the 
line  of  the  incandescent.  If  something  better  is  evolved  it  can  be  inserted  in  the  same 
socket,  and  modifications  in  the  system  of  wiring  will  not  be  required. 

The  Holophane  glass  globes  increase  the  efficiency  of  the  light  and  diffuse  it  so  as 
to  make  it  soft,  even  and  pleasant.  The  spherical  globes  which  enclose  the  lamps 
entirely,  decrease  the  light  twenty  per  cent.  The  greatest  efficiency  of  light  is  secured 
by  grouping  the  lamps  in  bell-shaped  globes  under  flaring  reflectors  of  the  same  glass. 

Lights  should  never  be  planned  for  purely  decorative  purposes,  as  library  funds 
will  not  permit  such  use.  This  applies  particularly  to  lights  around  cornices  and  at  the 
base  of  the  dome. 

Fixtures  should  be  plain  and  substantial.  The  table  and  case  lights  should  have 
green  transparent  shades,  those  for  the  case  lights  covering  the  upper  part  only,  in  the 
Form  of  reflectors. 

The  building  should  be  wired  so  that  lights  may  be  operated  for  the  first  floor  from 
a  central  switch  board  at,  or  near,  the  loan  desk,  and  the  ceiling  lights  for  each  room 
should  be  on  a  separate  switch.  Three  point  switches  should  be  used  for  entrances, 
stairways,  etc.  Table  and  case  lights  should  be  operated  separately.  In  the  stack  or 
book  room,  lights  between  cases  should  be  operated  separately  for  each  aisle.  The 
switch  for  the  hall  and  porch  lights  should  be  in  the  vestibule  and  should  be  operated 
with  a  key,  to  prevent  manipulation  by  the  public.  The  switch-board  in  the  audience 
room  should  be  so  placed  as  to  be  controlled,  during  an  illustrated  lecture,  by  the 
operator  of  the  lantern.  It  is  economy  to  provide  a  sufficient  number  of  switches  for 
independent  control  of  each  part  of  the  library. 

WALLS 

Walls  and  ceilings  of  sand-finished  plaster  shculd  be  sized  and  tinted  with  water 
cclcr,  and  shculd  harmcnize  with  the  wood  wcrk.  Exposure  must  determine  color  to 
be  used,  as  dark  colors  absorb  light,  and  light  colors  reflect  it.  Green,  yellow  and 
terra  cctta  tints  are  desirable.  A  light  brown,  or  tan,  shade  makes  a  restful,  unob- 
trusive wall.  The  ceilings  should  be  light  in  color  to  reflect  light  onto  the  reading  tables. 
There  shculd  be  but  one  wall  cclor  used  in  the  small  library.  No  decoration  is 
necessary  aside  from  tinting.  The  lower  part  of  the  walls  will  be  lined  with  books,  and 
the  few  blank  spaces  will  probably  be  used  for  pictures  or  casts.  Walls  behind  shelving 
which  is  not  backed,  shculd  be  painted  with  three  coats  of  oil  paint  the  color  of  the 
shelving.  Moulding  should  be  provided,  and  in  all  low  rooms  cornice  moulding  should 
be  used.  A  frieze  of  ccrticene  or  burlap  above  the  low  cases  and  over  the  radiators 
will  give  a  good  background  for  pictures. 

SHELVING 

The  shelving,  including  periodical  cases  and  all  other  wall  cases,  is  usually  built 
by  the  contractor,  though  special  shelving  is  made  by  firms,  which  deal  in  library 
furniture.  It  is  unnecessary  for  small  libraries  to  buy  patent  shelving  or  to  go  to  the 
expense  of  having  shelving  made  outside  of  the  contract.  Plain  wooden  wall  shelving 
is  better  than  any  ether,  and  as  good  as  metal  shelving  for  the  double-face  floor  cases. 
It  is  not  necessary  to  have  solid  hardwood  shelves,  but  facing  should  be  the  same  as 
other  finish  wood.  Library  shelving  must  be  built  according  to  standard  measurements 
and  should  be  finished  square  on  the  edges.  Upright,  base,  and  cornice  shculd  be 
finished  flush  on  edges,  and  there  should  be  no  projections  on  which  the  books  may 
catch.  A  projecting  base  becomes  very  unsightly.  The  shelves  need  not  be  backed 
except  for  the  sake  of  appearance.  All  shelving  should  be  fitted  into  the  casing  and 
cornices.  The  length  of  the  shelves  should  be  uniform  throughout  the  library,  so  that 
they  may  be  interchangeable.  Wall  shelving  should  be  the  same  height  throughout,  as 

16 


the  rooms  may  eventually  be  used  for  different  purposes,  and  because  a  broken  line 
detracts  from  appearance.  The  shelving  in  the  children's  room  may  have  cupboards 
or  bulletins  fitted  in  above  the  five  or  six  shelves  which  the  children  can  easily  reach. 
It  is  not  necessary  to  make  all  the  shelves  movable,  but  they  must  be  made  so  in  the 
reference  rocm,  and  possibly  in  one  section  or  case  of  each  of  the  other  rooms,  to 
accommodate  large  books  in  the  classes  to  be  shelved  n  these  rooms. 

The  usual  faults  of  shelving  are:  Making  the  shelves  too  long,  so  that  they  sag 
with  the  weight  of  the  books;  making  them  too  high,  so  that  the  upper  shelves  are  not 
easily  reached;  projections  against  which  the  books  catch;  and  poor  shelf  supports. 

Cases  are  usually  built  seven  shelves  high.  Each  section  or  space  between  uprights 
should  not  be  ever  36"  long,  and  less  than  that  is  preferable,  especially  in  cases  for 
heavy  books.  Shelving  is  ordinarily  made  of  1"  lumber  finished  to  ^g"  with  uprights  of 
\y2"  and  2"  lumber.  In  fixed  shelving  there  should  be  a  space  of  10"  clear  between 
shelves,  the  depth  not  to  be  over  8"  except  for  reference  books.  The  base  should  be  6" 
high;  the  cornice  about  4".  This  will  make  7'  2"  for  a  seven-shelf  case.  Space  7'  6"  is 
preferable  allowing  one  or  two  higher  shelves.  Movable  shelves  should  be  built 
on  the  same  measurements.  The  best  supports  are  good-sized  metal  pins, 
fitting  in  a  double  row  of  holes  in  the  uprights  and  in  the  slots  on  the  under  side  of 
the  shelves.  The  holes  in  the  uprights  should  be  about  2"  from  each  side  and 
1"  apart.  Care  should  be  taken  to  have  holes  bored  in  all  uprights  on  exactly  the  same 
measurements.  They  must  be  placed  to  allow  the  10"  spacing  noted  above.  This  shelv- 
ing will  serve  for  all  but  the  reference  room.  Some  wall  cases  with  ledges  and  space 
for  over-size  books  are  necessary  in  this  room;  also  sections  for  dictionaries  and  atlases, 
which  are  best  shelved  on  their  sides,  and  for  which  roller  shelves  are  desirable.  The 
movable  shelves  fcr  reference  books  should  be  built  with  a  fixed  ledge  36"  from  the 
floor,  the  shelves  beneath  the  ledge  being  deeper  than  those  above,  and  none  of  them 
over  30"  long.  The  case  should  be  about  9"  deep  above  the  ledge,  18"  at  the  ledge,  and 
12"  below  it,  with  the  fixed  ledge  of  \yz"  lumber.  Case  should  be  7'  2"  high,  like  all  the 
shelving. 

There  should  be  movable  shelving  in  the  librarian's  room,  supplemented  by  storage 
and  coat  cupboards  with  locks.  If  special,  low  shelving  of  six  shelves  is  desired  for 
the  children's  room,  it  may  be  built  6'  3"  high,  with  6"  base  and  4"  cornice.  The  double- 
face  floor  cases  for  the  book  room  should  be  built  according  to  the  measurements  for 
wall  shelves,  with  double  depth,  and  may  have  paneled  ends.  It  is  not  necessary  to  put 
in  backing,  as  it  cuts  off  light  and  air,  but  it  is  essential  to  use  strips  or  partial  backing 
to  prevent  books  sliding  through  (See  plate  Va  for  interior  view  showing  bookcases 
with  low  windows,  plate  Via  for  cases  under  windows,  plate  VHIb  for  cases  used  as 
partitions,  and  plate  XXc  for  patent  stack). 

Periodical  cases  should  be  built  in  as  part  of  the  wall  shelving  in  the  reading  room. 
Pigeon  holes  may  be  used  to  store  back  numbers,  provision  being  made  in  lower 
shelves  fcr  large-size  magazines.  These  pigeon  holes  should  have  a  space  of  about 
4"  clear  between  shelves  of  Y^"  stuff,  with  a  semi-circle  cut  out  of  the  front  edge.  They 
may  be  8"  deep  and  10"  wide.  The  current  magazines  should  be  kept  in  a  sloping  case, 
which  may  be  built  above  the  pigeon  holes  or  cupboards,  or  as  a  separate  case  (see 
plates  Vb,  Via,  XI Vc  and  XVIIId).  Library  Commissions  can  usually  loan  excellent 
plans  for  these  cases. 

Every  available  foot  of  wall  space  should  be  utilized  for  shelving  either  between  or 
under  the  windows. 

Double-face  cases  in  main  book  room  should  not  extend  to  the  rear  wall,  but  space 
for  aisle  should  be  left  at  end  of  cases. 

LOAN      DESK 

The  loan  desk  must  be  carefully  planned.  It  should  have  drawers  to  hold 
borrowers'  cards,  applications  and  supplies,  as  well  as  the  loan  desk  money.  In  a  small 
library  a  flat  top  desk  will  serve,  but  if  the  circulation  is  large,  it  would  be  better  to 
have  a  higher,  larger  desk,  possibly  octagonal,  with  a  small  opening  at  the  rear;  or,  if 
an  open  desk,  the  space  at  the  rear  will  be  closed  by  table  or  catalogue  case.  It  is  more 
convenient  for  the  loan  desk  worker  to  have  the  borrowers  kept  at  a  distance.  The 
desk  should  be  from  24"  to  30"  wide,  and  net  ever  40"  high.  The  top  should  be  flat, 
should  project  beyond  sides  and  should  have  plate  glass  cover  in  center.  It  will  be 
about  10'  wide,  outside  measurement,  and  have  6'  clear  space  inside  (large  enough  for 
book  truck  and  chair  and  for  two  or  more  persons  to  work  with  ease).  The  drawers, 
shelves  and  cupboards  must  be  carefully  built  according  to  measurements  furnished  by 

17 


State  Commission,  or  by  some  other  library.  The  sunken  charging  case  is  not  generally 
considered  desirable.  The  top  of  the  loan  desk  will  be  used  in  small  libraries  for 
catalogue  cases,  slip  cases,  and  charging  cases  which  should  be  movable  (see  view  in 
plate  Via  fcr  clcsed  loan  desk  and  plate  VHIb  for  open  desk). 

FURNITURE 

Priced  lists  cf  furniture  are  given  in  the  notes  to  plans  XIII  and  XVIII.  It  is  not 
the  purpose  cf  this  pamphlet  to  go  into  details  in  regard  to  furniture,  but  a  few 
suggestions  are  cffered.  All  of  the  special  cases  are  usually  included  in  the  building 
contract  for  small  libraries.  They  must  be  made  to  order  for  any  building,  and  plans 
should  be  secured  from  the  State  Commission. 

Tables.  Long  tables  are  undesirable;  numerous  small  tables  seating  six  people  are 
better,  as  they  are  more  easily  moved,  readers  are  more  comfortable,  and  order  is 
better  kept.  30"-36"  seating  space  should  be  allowed  for  each  grown  person.  Tables 
for  adults  may  be  from  5*4'  to  6'  long,  3'  wide  and  from  30"  to  31"  high,  seating  six 
persons.  It  is  best  to  provide  some  of  each  height.  Tables  for  public  reading  rooms 
should  be  without  drawers,  as  the  drawers  will  be  used  for  waste  baskets.  A  few 
round  tables  (4'  in  diameter)  add  to  attractiveness,  and  are  better  adapted  for  quiet 
study.  Sloping-top  tables  and  reading  desks  are  not  as  much  in  favor  as  flat-top  tables. 
Foot  rails  and  solid  ends  are  to  be  avoided,  because  they  soon  become  marred  and  un- 
sightly. Deep  side  pieces  are  uncomfortable  for  readers  who  wish  to  draw  near  to 
the  table. 

Three  sizes  of  tables  should  be  provided  for  the  children's  room.  They  may  all  be 
from  5y2  to  6'  long  and  3'  wide,  but  should  differ  in  height,  being  22",  26",  and  28"  high. 
If  round,  they  may  be  4'  in  diameter. 

Chairs.  It  is  necessary  to  have  strong,  light-weight  chairs  which  will  be  easily 
kept  clean.  Bent-wood  chairs  have  these  good  points,  but  they  are  not  very  ornamental, 
and  not  so  comfortable  as  some  of  the  wooden  chairs  of  different  shape  (see  plates 
IVb,  VHIb).  Arm  chairs  are  a  nuisance  at  reading  tables,  but  a  few  should  be  provided 
for  readers  not  at  the  tables.  The  addition  of  one  or  two  rocking  chairs  will  bring  com- 
fort to  some  readers,  but  they  are  not  practicable  in  a  crowded  room.  Jnless  there  is 
a  cork  carpet,  all  chairs  must  be  provided  with  rubber  tips.  Cup-shaped  tips  fitting 
over  the  leg  like  a  cap,  and  the  style  which  is  inserted  in  a  hole  bored  in  the  chair  leg, 
are  not  durable.  The  rubber  companies  furnish,  at  reasonable  prices,  tips  which  are 
screwed  into  the  leg. 

Chairs  for  children's  room  should  be  in  three  sizes,  to  suit  the  height  of  the  tables, 
the  seats  14",  16"  and  17"  from  the  floor,  with  back  and  depth  of  seat  corresponding — not 
large  chairs  cut  down. 

Revolving  chairs  will  be  needed  for  the  loan  desk  and  librarian's  desk  and  folding 
chairs  for  the  lecture  room. 

Newspaper    rack.        See  views  in  plates  Xlb  and  XVIIc. 

Sloping  cases.  Sloping  cases  are  useful  for  displaying  new  books  and  selection  of 
good  bocks,  and  fcr  receiving  books  returned  to  the  librarian's  desk  (see  view  in 
plate  Vllb). 

Dictionary  and  atlas  shelves.  Patent  stands  are  unnecessary.  Shelves  of  special 
size  designed  for  this  purpose  may  be  built  against  side  walls  or  under  windows.  They 
should  have  sloping  top  with  strip  at  edge  to  prevent  sliding.  Roller  shelves  in 
reference  case  will  be  suited  to  other  large  books.  Folio  case  should  be  furnished. 

Book  truck.  The  truck  will  be  indispensable  for  carrying  returned  books  to  the 
shelves,  and  fcr  the  use  of  the  cataloguer  working  on  new  books.  It  should  be  rubber 
tired  (see  plate  XVIIb). 

Photograph  cases.  Photographs  are  well  cared  for  in  large  drop  front  file  cases 
bought  from  office  furniture  houses. 

Catalogue  cases.  It  is  assumed  that  every  library  will  have  a  catalogue  on  cards, 
which  will  be  filed  in  cases  for  the  use  of  the  public.  Tray  cases  are  best.  The  base 
may  be  a  cupboard,  table,  or  folio  case  for  over-size  books.  Catalogue  cases  cannot 
well  be  made  locally,  and  the  State  Commission  should  be  asked  about  merits  of  the 
various  kinds.  Separate  cases  may  be  provided  for  catalogues  for  children  and  adults 
(see  plate  XVIb). 

Bulletin  boards.  Bulletin  beards  are  necessary  for  posting  lists  of  new  books  and 
books  upon  special  subjects.  They  may  be  filled  into  spaces  over  radiators,  shelves, 
periodical  cases,  and  bock  bins.  They  may  be  covered  with  corticene  or  burlap, 

18 


preferably  corticene,  as  it  makes  a  good  background  and  does  not  show  tack  holes  (see 
plates  Via,  XIVc). 

All  furniture,  except  catalogue  cases,  office  desks,  tables,  chairs  and  book  trucks, 
is  usually  made  locally  for  the  small  library  which  has  limited  funds.  Some  library 
supply  houses  make  specially  designed,  attractive  furniture.  It  would  be  well  to  send 

for  furniture  catalogues.     Addresses  of  manufacturers  will  be  sent  by  the  State  Com- 
missions. 

The  following  typical  list  of  furniture  for  a  small  building  may  prove  useful.  The 
only  criticism  which  might  be  made  would  be  that  of  too  great  economy,  cheap  furniture 
being  unsightly  as  well  as  unprofitable  as  an  investment.  The  prices  are  those  quoted 
by  furniture  houses  in  the  Middle  West,  and  the  list  contains  everything  not  in  the 
building  contract. 

TYPICAL  LIST  OF  FURNITURE 

Basement — 

100  folding  chairs  at  $9  per  dozen  $75.00 

Lecture  room — 

1  lecture  desk  50"   14.00 

1  lecture  arm  chair   4.50 

Class  room — 

2  tables  3'x5'  6",  30"  high  at  $13.50  27.00 

1  dozen  bent  wood  chairs  20.00 

Work  room — 

2  common  wocd  chairs  at  50c  1.00 

1  work  table  pine  top,  drawers  2.75 

Children's  room — 

1  table  36"x66",  22"  high   13.50 

1  table  36"x66",  28"  high    13.50 

6  chairs  14"  high  10.00 

6  chairs  1 7"  high   10.00 

Reading  and  book   room — 

3  tables  36"x66",  30"  high  at  $13.50  40.00 

1  revolving  desk  chair   9.00 

\y*  doz.  bent  wood  chairs  at  $20  30.00 

1  base  for  catalogue  case   20.00 

3  bent  wood  arm  chairs  at  $5   15.00 

2  rockers  at  $7.50   15.00 

Reference  room — 

1  round  table  60",  30"  high  24.00 

1  table  36"x66"    13.50 

5/6  doz.  bent  wocd  chairs  at  $20  16.67 

Librarian's  room — 

Rotary  desk  chair   9.00 

1  roll  cr  flat  top  desk  at  $15   15.00 

1  work  table  white  top,  drawers  2.75 

1  bent  wood  chair  1.83 

Miscellaneous — 

100  shelf  label  holders   7.50 

100  book  supports   7.50 

1  book  truck   25.00 

1  umbrella  rack    10.00 

1   newspaper  rack    10.00 

1    catalogue  case   at  $4.00 

1    catalogue  case   at     7.00  ^  32  5Q  32  50 

1   catalogue   case   at     9.50 

1    catalogue  case  at    12.00  , 

19 


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Interior 
East  Side  Branch  Library.     Portland,  Ore. 


21 


EAST  SIDE  BRANCH  LIBRARY 

PORTLAND,    ORE. 


ARCHITECTS— Doyle  &  Patterson. 

COST — $2,611.90   for  complete   building     (including   plumbing,  warm   air  heating, 

hardware,   electric   wiring   and   fixtures,    shelving,    magazine   case,  delivery   desk   and 

umbrella  stands,  grading,  cement  steps  and  walks,  and  architects'  commission.     Cork 
carpet  not  included. 

CONSTRUCTION — Entirely  of  wood  with  concrete  footings..  Basement  large 
enough  for  heating  plant  and  fuel  storage  only.  Exterior  of  shingles  9"  to  weather  and 
wide  boards  10"  to  weather,  stained  in  grey  brown,  sash  and  doors  painted  cream  white. 
Interior  of  wood,  wide  boards  with  battens  forming  panels,  stained  light  grey.  No 
plastering  in  building. 

DIMENSIONS — 30'x70'  with  extension  8'6"x20'  on  rear  for  stairs,  toilet  and 
librarian's  room.  Ceiling  15'  high  in  clear. 

CAPACITY— About  5,000  volumes,  will  seat  comfortably  12:  people. 

NOTES — The  light  is  particularly  satisfactory  because  the  room  is  lighted  on  four 
sides,  and  with  shades  of  a  good  green,  which  are  attractive  inside  against  the  soft  gray 
finish  of  the  walls  and  outside  against  the  brown  shingle,  the  light  can  be  tempered. 
This  building  is  particularly  adapted  to  this  locality  where  the  weather  is  always  mild. 
The  cork  carpet  deadens  the  noise  so  effectually  that  the  grown  people  have  not  been 
disturbed  by  the  children.  The  furniture  cost  very  little  and  was  made  by  local  car- 
penter. It  is  Oregon  fir,  stained  a  good  brown,  and  the  chairs  match  it.  Strong  well 
shaped  chairs  with  wooden  seats  were  $22.00  per  dozen.  Kindergarten  chairs  for 
children  were  $10.00  per  dozen.  There  are  three  children's  tables  and  three  tables 
for  grown  people  and  many  extra  chairs  about.  Fixed  shelving  is  built  in  and  is  7" 
deep,  except  for  reference  books  where  it  runs  to  9"  or  10"  and  is  from  8"  to  10"  clear 
between  shelves.  New  shelving  will  be  run  around  the  room  and  short  book  cases, 
dividing  the  room,  will  be  used  later. 


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BASE  MEN  T      PLAN 
Henry  Henley  Public  Library.     Carthage,  Ind. 

24 


HENRY  HENLEY  PUBLIC  LIBRARY 

CARTHAGE,    IND. 


ARCHITECT— W.  S.  Kaufman,  Richmond,  Ind. 

SOURCE — $3,385.30  in  gifts  of  from  $1  to  $1000,  balance  from  taxation. 

COST — $6,500.  $500  necessary  to  complete  unfinished  basement.  lie  per  cubic 
foot.  Contract  $4,000,  Heating  plant  $150,  Light  fixtures  $50,  Plumbing  $30.10,  Wooden 
shelving  $200,  Loan  desk  $67.50,  Shades  $15.45,  Decorating  $42.52,  Grounds  $197.96. 
Furniture  made  locally.  Tables  $8.00,  Chairs  $26.00..  Revolving  shelves  and  special 
furniture  $20. 

CONSTRUCTION— Brick  with  stone  trimming;  slate  roof.  Heated  by  furnace; 
lighted  by  gas;  wall  shelving  only. 

DIMENSIONS— 58'8"x40'2",  Main  floor  13',  basement  8'  high. 

CAPACITY — 11,000  volumes.  4,000  each  in  reading  room  and  children's  room; 
3,000  in  reference  room. 

PROCEDURE — No  ccmpetiticn.  "Best  results  can  be  had  by  employing  an 
architect  familiar  with  library  construction." 

NOTES — Arrangement  satisfactory.  Need  more  secluded  place  for  students  and 
for  reference  work. 

EDITOR'S  NOTES — Toilet  room  should  be  in  basement  and  space  used  for  coat 
room  and  storage  (see  plan  III).  Shelving  probably  around  all  walls  except  front  where 
windows  are  low.  Loan  desk  is  practically  librarian's  office  and  needs  shelving  and 
closet  room.  No  private  room  for  Board  or  Committee  meetings  except  in  basement. 
Compare  with  plan  III  for  basement  stairway  and  storage  room.  Think  shelving 
capacity  may  be  over  estimated. 


25 


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26 


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Public  Library.     Durand,  Wis. 

27 


PUBLIC    LIBRARY 

DURAND,   WIS. 
1907 


ARCHITECTS— Claude  &  Starck,  Madison,  Wis. 
SOURCE— Andrew  Carnegie,  $7,500. 

COST — Finished  building,  $7,761.17,  14^4c  per  cubic  foot.  Contract  $6,715.47  (in- 
cluding shelving),  Heating  plant  $348.76,  Light  fixtures  $130.08,  Cork  carpet  $165.32, 
Architect's  fee  $242.84,  Furniture  $158.70. 

CONSTRUCTION— English  Gothic  architecture.  Local  red  brick  with  Dunville 
stone  foundation  and  trimmings;  gables  timbered  and  plastered  with  rough  cast;  red  tile 
roof;  plate  glass.  Building  harmonious  in  color  and  proportion.  Interior  is  yellow 
pine.  Cork  carpet  over  pine  on  main  floor.  Basement  floors  pine  and  cement.  Hot 
air  furnace.  Excellent  natural  light.  Nernst  electric  ceiling  lights.  Fireplace  aids 
ventilation.  7'2"  adjustable  wall  shelving  in  all  rooms,  special  reference  case  in  rear 
room.  Cupboards  with  cork  covered  bulletins  over  children's  shelves.  Walls  tinted 
light  brown.  Woodwork,  chairs  and  tables  stained  like  weathered  oak.  Library  prac- 
tically one  large  room.  Very  attractive  and  satisfactory. 

DIMENSIONS— 61'6"x22  6".     Extensions:  front   12'xl8'6",  rear    Il'xl8'6".       Main 
floor  12'6"  high;  basement  10'. 

CAPACITY — 4,100  volumes.  Seating  capacity,  24  on  each  side,  6  in  reference 
corner. 

PROCEDURE — No  competition. 

NOTES — Inside  woodwork  should  be  better.  Hot  air  furnace  a  mistake.  Base- 
ment cannot  be  heated.  Advise  hot  water. 

EDITOR'S  NOTES — Suggest  high  windows  in  rear  *valls  if  plan  permits,  as  rooms 
should  be  lighted  from  this  side.  Windows  at  rear  of  reference  alcove  would  be  better 
than  at  sides. 


28 


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IVb 


Delivery  Desk  and  Book  Room 


Frcm  Reading  R^cm,  showing  Entrance 
Public  Library.     West  Liberty,  la. 

31 


IVc 


From  Children's  Room 
Public   Library.     West  Liberty,  la. 


32 


FREE   PUBLIC   LIBRARY 

WEST   LIBERTY,   IA. 
1905 


ARCHITECTS— Patton  &  Miller,  Chicago. 
SOURCE— Andrew   Carnegie,  $7,500. 

COST — $7,954.58,  including  furnishings.  Work  room  and  assembly  room  in  base- 
ment left  unfinished.  Estimated  cost  for  completion  $350.  Cost  per  cubic  foot,  15c. 
Contract  $6,850.20  (including  plumbing,  heating,  ventilation,  electric  wiring)..  Light 
fixtures  $125,  Finish  hardware  $50,  Shades  $12.50,  Decorating  $200,  Bronze  tablet  $25, 
Architect's  fee  $375.58,  Tables  $178,  Chairs  $71,  Other  items  $67.70. 

CONSTRUCTION— St.  Louis  golden  mottled  hydraulic  pressed  brick  with  Bed- 
ford stone  trimmings.  Red  tile  roof.  Slow-burning  construction.  Design  very  satis- 
factory. Chcice  cf  materials,  ideal.  Should  advise  one  additional  foot  in  height  of 
wall  (if  means  permit),  so  that  eaves  would  not  overhang  windows.  Cork  carpet  is 
used  for  deadening  scund.  Heating  is  by  hot  air  furnace,  ventilation  being  accomplished 
by  air  taken  in  thrcugh  an  cutside  duct  and  warmed  by  furnace.  Lighting  electric 
incandescent.  Windows  3  high  and  3  low  in  each  reading  room,  2  high  and  1  low  in 
stack  room.  Front  windows  plate  glass.  Wall  shelving  and  stacks  are  entirely  of 
wood.  Color  scheme:  walls  sage  green,  ceiling  deep  cream.  Rooms  arranged  to  have 
all  parts  in  view  of  delivery  desk  with  librarian's  room  next  to  entrance  and  opening 
off  delivery  room  for  control  of  entrance. 

DIMENSIONS— 43'6"x43'6".    Main  floor  12'  high,  basement  10'. 

CAPACITY — 1,700  volumes  in  each  reading  room  and  2,500  in  stack  room.  Total 
5,900.  It  would  be  difficult  to  add  to  the  stack  room,  but  easy  to  increase  either  of  the 
reading  rooms  by  extending  to  the  side  or  to  the  north.  In  a  small  library  the  architect 
believes  it  more  desirable  to  do  this  than  to  attempt  to  increase  the  stack  room,  as 
ample  provision  is  always  made  for  wall  shelving  in  the  various  reading  rooms. 

PROCEDURE — Visited  a  number  of  small  libraries.  Employed  architect  on  com- 
mission, without  competition.  Employ  the  best  library  architect  obtain- 
able. Consider  interior  arrangement  of  primary  importance,  giving  ornamentation 
of  building  a  secondary  place.  Seek  advice  of  Library  Commission.  Study  and  adopt 
(in  general)  suggestions  given  by  them.  Do  not  attempt  to  get  the  building  c  h  e  a  p . 
Economize  on  ornamentation.  A  thoroughly  competent  architect  is  a  protection  to  the 
building  committee  against  unfair  prices. 

NOTES — To  reduce  cost  a  cheaper  brick  could  be  used  such  as  the  vitrified  paving 
brick  and  wood  shingled  roof  substituted  for  the  tile  roof.  Pine  used  for  the  finish,  and 
in  all,  possibly  $1,000  could  be  saved. 

EDITOR'S  NOTES — Shape  of  stack  room  probably  owing  to  lot.  Filling  out 
square  would  add  to  capacity  and  not  to  cost..  Object  to  walls  between  stack  room 
and  adjoining  rooms.  Stack  room  has  too  small  a  capacity  to  justify  use  for  storage 
exclusively  and  should  be  part  of  main  room.  Librarian's  office  well  placed.  Position 
of  columns  at  loan  desk  objectionable.  Architectural  features  should  be  improved  in 
any  building  modeled  upon  this. 

33 


«    O 
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34 


Va 


From  Entrance 

Public  Library.     Covina,  Cal. 

35 


Vb 


Reading  Room 

PUBLIC   LIBRARY 

COVINA,  CAL. 
1905 


ARCHITECT — Franklin  P.  Burnham,  Los  Angeles. 
SOURCE— Andrew  Carnegie,  $8,000. 

COST — $8,217.  Contract  $7,292  (including  all  stacks,  tables,  delivery  desks  and 
hardware).  Hot  air  furnace  $150 — Electric  fixtures  $125 — Cork  carpet  $300 — Architect's 
fee  $350. 

CONSTRUCTION — Outside  walls  common  brick  cemented.  Flat  composition 
roof.  Building  considered  slow  burning.  All  inside  finish,  book-cases,  desks,  tables, 
etc.,  of  Oregon  pine. 

DIMENSIONS— 56'x37'.  Cellar  under  entire  building  7'6"  high.  Main  floor  5'3" 
above  ground.  Reading  and  children's  room  14'6"  high.  Stack  space  7'6"  high  with  8' 
attic  over  same. 

EDITOR'S  NOTE — Public  toilet  rooms  should  not  be  on  main  floor.  Librarian's 
room  and  work  room  might  well  be  combined  with  service  stairway  from  it.  Extra 
room  in  corner  resulting  from  this  combination  and  taking  put  toilet  rooms  would  make 
desirable  class  room.  Low  windows  at  sides  reduce  shelving  capacity  and  make  stack 
room  a  necessity.  Rear  aisle  necessary  in  stack  room.  Position  of  cases  makes  super- 
vision impossible. 

36 


VI 


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37 


Via 


FIRST  FLOOR PL*N 


Delivery  Desk  and  Book  Room 
Public    Library.     Eugene,   Ore. 

38 


VIb 


PLAN 


Public    Library.     Eugene,    Ore. 


PUBLIC   LIBRARY 

EUGENE,  ORE. 
1906 


ARCHITECT— Y.  D.  Hensill,  Eugene,  Ore. 
SOURCE — Andrew  Carnegie,  $10,000. 

COST — Finished  building  $9,645  (including  shelving,  cork  carpet,  periodical  case, 
bulletin  boards,  and  items  given  below,  except  furniture).  14c  per  cubic  foot.  Heating 
plant  $600.  Plumbing  fixtures  $287,  Finish  hardware  $45,  Loan  desk  $40,  Decorating 
$70,  Grounds  $260,  8  oak  tables  $80. 

CONSTRUCTION— Mission  style.  Buff  pressed  brick,  with  concrete  foundation 
and  tile  roof.  Slow-burning  construction.  Interior  finish  in  Oregon  pine.  Floors 
doubled  and  deadened.  Cork  carpet.  Hot  water  heat.  Well  lighted  by  day.  Electric 
ceiling,  table  and  case  lights.  Fireplace  aids  ventilation.  Wood  shelving  7'2"  high, 
movable,  with  metal  pin  supports.  Wood  work  stained  brown,  walls  and  ceilings  in 
orange  and  yellow.  Effect  very  good. 

DIMENSIONS— 50'x45'7".     Main  floor  13',  Basement  9'6"  high. 

CAPACITY — 12,000  volumes.  Seating  capacity  of  general  book  room  and  reference 
room  40,  of  children's  room  25.  Lecture  hall  seats  250. 

PROCEDURE — Board  members  informed  themselves  by  consulting  with  State 
Commissicn.  Architect  engaged  without  ccmpetition. 

EDITOR'S  NOTES — Entrance  to  basement  is  from  portico,  causing  inconvenience 
to  librarian,  and  being  objectionable  on  account  of  lack  of  oversight.  Insufficient  ven- 
tilation. Librarian's  room  should  have  low  windows,  and  should  be  larger.  Otherwise, 
building  is  entirely  satisfactory  and  most  attractive.  Perfect  from  standpoint  of  over- 
sight and  light.  Would  omit  cases  between  book  and  reference  rooms  until  necessary. 
Should  have  larger  conversation  room  if  possible.  No  room  planned  solely  for  book 
storage  —  a  good  point  in  a  small  library.  Exterior  not  consistently  Mission  style. 
Front  windows  out  of  scale  with  facade. 


40 


VII 


13 
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41 


Vila 


Public  Library.     Richland  Center,  Wis. 
42 


Vllb 


Book  and  Reference   Room,  from  Children's  Room 
Public  Library.     Richland  Center,  Wis. 


PUBLIC   LIBRARY 


RICHLAND  CENTER,  WIS. 


1904 


ARCHITECTS— Claude  &  Starck,  Madison,  Wis. 
SOURCE — Andrew  Carnegie,  $10,000. 

COST— Finished  building  $9,721.51.  12.7c  per  cubic  foot.  Contract  $8,779.  Light 
fixtures  $134.75,  Floor  covering  $175,  Architect's  fee  $361.76,  Furniture  $271. 

CONSTRUCTION— English  Gothic  architecture.  Basement  rough  local  stone. 
Walls  of  local  red  sand-mould  brick.  Slate  roof.  Gables  timbered  and  finished  with 
rough  cast  cement.  Interior  finish,  oak.  Cork  carpet  over  pine  floor,  no  provision  for 
deadening  sound,  basement  floors  pine.  Heated  by  steam.  Natural  light:  Satisfactory, 
with  low  windows  at  front  and  sides  of  building,  high  at  back.  Too  dark  in  librarian's 
room.  Artificial  light:  Electric  by  table  and  ceiling  lights.  Ventilation  at  bottom  of 
baseboard,  cold  air  duct  into  heating  plant.  Ventilation  not  satisfactory.  Regular  oak 
shelving  7'2"  high.  No  patent  shelving  used.  No  stacks,  special  shelving  in  reference 
room.  Children's  shelving  low  with  cork  bulletin  above.  Storage  shelves  in  store 
room  in  basement.  .  Extra  shelves  in  librarian's  room.  No  partitions  except  for 
librarian's  room,  which  is  in  rear  corner  of  building. 

DIMENSIONS — 73'2"  (including  bay  windows  57'8"  without)  x36'6".  Main  floor 
13'  high,  basement  10'. 

CAPACITY — 3,000  volumes  with  present  shelving,  without  floor  cases.  Seating 
capacity  20  for  each  room. 

PROCEDURE — No  competition.  Architect  chosen  after  visits  to  small  libraries 
recently  built  and  upon  consultation  with  State  Commission. 

NOTES — Librarian's  room  is  too  small,  could  not  be  used  for  board  meetings, 
windows  in  that  room  too  high  and  make  room  dark.  Radiators  in  wall  under  shelves, 
even  when  protected  by  asbestos  guards,  are  too  warm  for  books  in  shelving  above. 
Building  very  warm  in  summer.  Chain  fastenings  for  windows  unsatisfactory. 

EDITOR'S  NOTES — Position  of  stairway  and  outside  entrance  to  basement 
particularly  good.  Bays  cost  space  and  money  but  are  most  attractive. 


44 


VIII 


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45 


Villa 


Public  Library.     Darlington,  Wis. 
46 


VHIb 


Reading  Room 


From  Children's  Room 
Public  Library.     Darlington,  Wis. 

47 


PUBLIC  LIBRARY 

DARLINGTON,   WIS. 
1904 


ARCHITECTS— Claude  &  Starck,  Madison,  Wis. 
SOURCE — Andrew  Carnegie,  $10,000. 

COST — $10,117.73.  Basement  unfinished,  cost  of  completion  $600.  12.83c  per  cubic 
foot.  Contract  $9,297  (including  book  cases  and  loan  desk).  Heating  plant  $770, 
Lighting  plant  $135,  Plumbing  $200,  Floor  covering  $203.10,  Architect's  fee  $379.65, 
Furniture  $168. 

CONSTRUCTION— Gothic  architecture.  Pressed  brick  and  Bedford  stone,  with 
slate  roof.  Plate  glass.  Oak  finish  inside.  Pine  floors  covered  with  cork  carpet. 
Steam  heat.  Electric  lights  in  ceiling  and  on  each  table.  Natural  light  excellent  from 
high  windows  at  rear.  Ventilated  from  windows  and  fireplace.  Oak  wall  shelving  7'2" 
high.  Low  shelving  with  corticene  bulletin  above  in  children's  room. 

DIMENSIONS— 60x48.     Main  Floor  12'6"  high,  basement  10'. 

CAPACITY — 5,000  volumes,  without  use  of  floor  cases.  Seating  capacity  20  each 
for  reference  and  children's  rooms,  32  for  book  room  at  rear. 

PROCEDURE — No  competition.  Visited  new  libraries  designated  by  Commission 
and  employed  architect  with  library  experience. 

EDITOR'S  NOTES — Partitions  between  general  book  room  and  adjoining  rooms 
not  necessary.  Floor  cases  sufficient.  Otherwise  building  meets  needs  of  small  library 
perfectly. 


48 


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49 


IXa 


LIBRARIANS  RM 

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FIRST 


Looking  east  into  stackroom 
Public  Library.     Vineland,  N.  J. 

50 


IXb 


Locking  north  into  Children's  Room 
Public  Library.     Vineland,  N.  J. 

51 


PUBLIC    LIBRARY 

VINELAND,  N.  J. 


COST— $10,000. 

CONSTRUCTION — Granite  trimmed  with  white  stone.  Rooms  separated  by  low 
railings.  Circular  delivery  desk  in  center.  Oak  floors  without  covering.  Wall  cases  5 
shelves  high  in  children's  room  and  reading  room.  Wooden  stacks,  8  shelves  high  in 
stack  room.  Well  lighted  basement  with  but  2'  under  ground. 

CAPACITY— 20,000  volumes. 

EDITOR'S  NOTES — Lack  of  shelving  in  reading  room  a  defect.  High  windows 
at  sides  would  be  better.  Librarian's  room  too  small,  as  it  is  the  best  room  in  building 
for  board  cr  class  meetings,  and  only  room  for  storage  of  supplies,  books  and 
magazines.  Trustees'  room  in  basement  more  suitable  for  storage  space  necessary  in 
all  libraries.  Stack  room  is,  of  course,  suitable  for  general  reading  room  also.  Exterior 
might  be  greatly  improved,  especially  by  omission  of  cupola.  Overcrowded  with  heavy 
detail  not  in  keeping  with  dimensions. 


52 


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Xa 


FIRST  FLOOR  PL.AM 


Stack  Room 
Public  Library.     Kearney,  Neb. 

54 


PUBLIC    LIBRARY 

KEARNEY,  NEB. 
1905 


ARCHITECTS— James  Tyler  &  Son,  Lincoln,  Neb. 
SOURCE — Andrew  Carnegie,  $12,000. 

COST — $11,700.  Contract  $9,800  (including  shelving,  steam  heating  plant,  delivery 
desk,  etc.  Architect's  fee  $250. 

CONSTRUCTION — Pressed  brick  with  stone  trimmings  and  iron  roof.  Heating 
plant  and  store  room  in  basement.  Electric  lights  in  ceiling  and  on  tables.  Wood 
shelving  with  fixed  shelves,  not  satisfactory. 

DIMENSIONS— 66'4"x41'3".     Main  floor  14',  Basement  8'  high. 
PROCEDURE — Competition. 

EDITOR'S  NOTES — Building  cut  up  with  too  many  partitions.  Periodical  room 
too  small,  should  extend  to  end  of  reading  room.  Failure  to  utilize  basement  a  defect. 
Less  money  has  given  much  more  space  in  preceding  plans.  This  plan  of  book  room 
shut  off  from  reading  rooms  is  undesirable  for  small  libraries.  Aisles  in  stack  room 
are  too  narrow.  Toilet  room  badly  placed.  Poor  fenestration. 


55 


XI 


3  CM 


O 


56 


XIa 


Public  Library.     Hutchinson,  Minn. 

57 


Xlb 


Book  Room,  from  Reading  Room 


PUBLIC    LIBRARY 

HUTCHINSON,  MINN. 
1904 


ARCHITECT— Edward  S.  Stebbins,  Minneapolis. 
SOURCE — Andrew  Carnegie,  $12,500. 

COST— $12,159.60,  not  including  furniture.  Contract  $10,321.50  (including  finish 
hardware,  decorating,  shelving,  floor  covering,  loan  desk  and  ventilation  plant).  Heat- 
ing plant  $859,  Wiring  and  light  fixtures  $151.06,  Plumbing  $248,  Shades  $23.90,  Grounds 
$142.60,  Architect's  fees  $396.24,  Paper  rack  and  magazine  files  $17.30,  Mission  furniture, 
including  29  chairs,  6  arm-chairs,  librarian's  chair,  4  oblong  tables  and  3  round  tables, 
$281.20. 

CONSTRUCTION — Light  colored,  mottled,  Roman  shape,  pressed  brick,  trimmed 
with  Bedford  stone.  Slate  roof;  plate  glass  windows  above  basement.  Slow-burning 
construction.  The  basement  floor  is  maple  laid  on  light  joists  on  concrete.  Care  should 
be  taken  not  to  lay  this  floor  until  all  dampness  is  out  of  the  basement  walls  and  con- 
crete beneath.  Fir  would  be  better  than  maple,  the  better  withstanding  the  moisture 
from  below.  The  floor  of  the  upper  story  should  be  laid  with  deadening  felt.  Heated 
by  steam.  Lighted  by  electricity.  Book  stacks  and  wall  shelving  are  of  wood  finished 
in  oak,  stained  dark  to  match  the  rest  of  the  interior.  Walls  are  dark  green  to  picture 
moulding,  border  and  ceiling  light  cream. 

The  alcoves  on  either  side  of  the  main  entrance  are  used  as  cloak  rooms,  room 
back  of  fireplace  for  cataloguing.  Basement  will  be  used  for  Historical  Society  and 
natural  history  collections.  Arrangement  of  room  is  well  balanced  and  fits  the  needs 
of  the  library. 

DIMENSIONS — 55'x38'  exclusive  of  porch.    First  story  16',  Basement  10'4"  high. 

CAPACITY — 8,000  volumes,  with  possible  extension  to  16,000.  Seating  capacity 
could  be  increased  to  75  or  100. 

PROCEDURE — It  was  the  intention  of  the  board  to  choose  plans  by  competition. 
Many  plans  were  submitted,  but  none  chosen.  Committee  finally  decided  on  architect 
and  worked  jointly  with  him.  Would  advise  other  committees  to  go  slow,  and  not  be 
misled  by  the  first  plan  submitted,  with  high  colors  and  scenery  added  to  make  the 
sketch  attractive.  Visit  other  libraries,  if  possible,  and  gather  information  from  all 
sources  available. 

NOTES — To  lower  cost  shingles  could  be  used  instead  of  slate,  plain  glass 
windows  instead  of  plate  glass,  cheaper  brick  could  be  used,  and  cheaper  finishing 
material.  Fireplaces  could  be  omitted,  also  toilet  rooms,  or  if  desired,  the  tile  floors 
in  these  rooms  could  be  replaced  with  wood. 

Allow  and  insist  upon  contractor  taking  plenty  of  time  to  do  the  work  —  better 
results  will  be  obtained  if  job  "seasons"  as  it  progresses.  See  that  floor  and  ceiling 
joists  especially  are  well  seasoned,  thus  obviating  shrinkage,  and  cracking  of  plaster. 

EDITOR'S  NOTES — Librarian's  room  top  small  for  any  purpose.  Note  that 
study  is  used  for  cataloguing.  Book  storage  evidently  confined  to  book  room,  making 
rooms  less  attractive  and  inconvenient  for  public  and  librarian.  Front  partitions  of 
book  room  objectionable,  and  those  at  sides  unnecessary.  Basement  store  room  should 
not  open  into  lecture  room.  One  outside  entrance  to  basement  would  suffice. 

59 


XII 


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61 


Xllb 


From  Reading  Room 


Children's  Room  and  Entrance 

Public  Library.     Tipton,  la. 

62 


XIIc 


Stack  Room 

PUBLIC    LIBRARY 

TIPTON,  IA. 


ARCHITECTS— Mauran,  Russell  &  Garden,  St.  Louis. 

SOURCE— Andrew  Carnegie,  $10,000.    Subscription  and  local  tax,  $3,158. 

COST— $13,158.53,  exclusive  of  furnishings.  Lecture  room  and  class  room  in  base- 
ment unfinished.  Estimated  cost  of  completion  $300.  Cost  14.7c  per  cubic  foot.  Con- 
tract $11,924.25  (including  plumbing,  wiring,  finish  hardware,  decorating,  shelving  and 
loan  desk).  Heating  plant  $1,150,  light  fixtures  $328.02,  Grounds  $641.07,  Architect's 
fee  $506.21. 

CONSTRUCTION — Brick  with  stone  trimmings.  Slate  roof.  Hardwood  floors. 
Hot  water  heat.  Electric  light.  Wood  wall  shelving. 

DIMENSIONS— 55'2"x47'6".     Main  floor  15'6",  Basement  10'  high. 

PROCEDURE — No  competition  but  investigation.  Board  prepared  preliminary 
floor  plans. 

EDITOR'S  NOTES — Low  windows  at  side  prevent  shelves  in  reading  room.  The 
low  shelves  next  to  hall  are  not  sufficient.  Stairs  between  reading  room  and  study  a 
serious  mistake,  preventing  future  extension  of  reading  room.  Study  too  small  and 
partition  between  it  and  stack  room  undesirable.  Stack  room  evidently  to  accommodate 
4  double-faced  cases  in  future  and  space  entirely  too  small.  Aisles  should  be  4  or  5 
feet  wide  in  clear  when  there  is  access  to  shelves,  and  each  case  requires  at  least  1'6". 
Rear  windows  should  not  extend  to  floor  as  the  low  glass  gives  no  benefit  as  to  light 
and  is  decidedly  objectionable  otherwise. 

63 


XIII 


64 


XHIa 


First  Floor 


Basement 

Public  Library.     Watertown,  Wis. 
65 


PUBLIC    LIBRARY 

WATERTOWN,  WIS. 

1907 


ARCHITECTS— Claude  &  Starck,  Madison,  Wis. 
SOURCE— Andrew  Carnegie,  $20,000. 

COST— $20,000.  12.8c  per  cubic  foot.  Contract  $15,213  (including  lighting,  plumb- 
ing, decorating  shelving,  loan  desk,  periodical  cases,  and  other  special  furniture). 
Heating  plant  $1096,  Light  fixtures  $467,  Floor  covering  $340.41,  Shades  $49.30,  Grounds 
$411.63,  Architect's  fee  $815.55.  Other  items,  extras,  temporary  insurance,  fireplace,  etc., 
$678.48.  Furniture,  white  quarter-sawed  oak  with  fumed  oak  finish,  cost  $630.  Items: 
3  tables,  58"  diameter,  30"  high;  2  tables,  5'  diameter,  26"  high;  2  tables,  5'  diameter, 
28"  high;  1  table,  3x5,  30"  high;  1  book  truck;  1  umbrella  rack;  24  chairs,  18"  high;  16 
chairs,  14"  high;  8  chairs,  16"  high;  3  arm  chairs;  3  rockers;  1  high  swivel  chair;  1  low 
swivel  chair;  1  typewriter  desk;  1  catalogue  case  and  base,  9  drawers;  ]  catalogue  case 
and  base,  60  drawers. 

CONSTRUCTION— Grecian  architecture.  Roman  shape.  Pressed  brick  and  Bed- 
ford stone.  Composition  roof.  Plate  glass.  First  story  oak  finish,  basement  yellow 
pine.  Floors,  first  story,  double  pine  covered  with  cork  carpet;  basement  double  floors 
on  sleepers  bedded  in  concrete;  top  floor,  maple.  Heated  by  hot  water  system.  Natural 
light  from  full  windows  in  front,  high  windows  in  rear  and  sides.  Artificial  light,  8 
chandeliers  of  8  lights,  and  1  of  4  lights.  20  case  lights  and  2  standards  on  main  floor, 
with  2  lights  in  entrance;  basement  has  ceiling  reflectors  and  side  lights.  Ventilation 
secured  by  means  of  indirect  coils  in  basement  with  window  to  outside  and  registers  in 
basement  and  first  floor,  and  by  fireplace.  Shelving,  wood,  wall  cases.  No  patent 
shelving.  Color  scheme,  soft  olive  green  walls  with  lighter  green  ceilings;  wood  is 
fumed  oak.  Main  floor  practically  one  large  room  with  delivery  room  and  book  room 
in  center  portion.  Reading  and  reference  rooms  on  side  street.  Children's  and 
librarian's  rooms  on  inside  of  lot.  Partitions  for  librarian's  room  do  not  extend  to 
ceiling,  walls  being  ccmposed  cf  shelving.  Basement  lecture  room  and  men's  club 
room,  have  independent  entrance. 

DIMENSIONS— 84'x44'.     Main  floor  13'9",  basement  10'  high. 

CAPACITY — 6,000  volumes  with  present  wall  shelving.  1,400  in  reading  room, 
2,800  in  book  room,  1,800  in  children's  room,  150  in  study  alcove.  Seating  capacity  60. 

PROCEDURE — Architect  chosen  by  committee,  after  inspection  of  several  build- 
ings. A  library  board  about  to  plan  a  building  should  first  visit  a  number  of  libraries 
erected  at  a  similar  cost  in  order  to  have  some  knowledge  of  library  buildings,  as  to 
what  is  a  necessity  and  what  is  to  be  avoided,  profiting  by  the  experience  of  others. 
Plans  and  specifications  should  be  submitted  to  the  Library  Commission  and  others 
having  expert  knowledge  of  library  architecture,  and  their  advice  and  counsel  should 
be  sought  in  all  matters  pertaining  to  the  construction  and  all  details  of  the  building. 

NOTES — The  building  in  which  the  library  was  originally  located,  was  in  the  center 
of  the  business  interests  of  the  city.  In  this  locality  it  was  exceptionally  successful  in 
meeting  the  needs  of  all  classes.  The  same  idea  was  kept  in  mind  in  selecting  the  site 
of  the  present  building,  and  in  fronting  almost  on  a  line  with  all  business  buildings  on 
the  Main  Street.  The  side  of  the  building  is  on  the  street.  The  style  of  architecture  is 
not  well  adapted  to  this  location.  The  needs  of  a  class  of  people  peculiar  to  this  city 
lave  been  considered  in  providing  for  an  attractive  reading  and  smoking  room  in  the 
basement,  with  a  special  entrance  direct  from  the  street. 

EDITOR'S  NOTES — Cost  might  be  reduced  by  eliminating  main  floor  toilet  room 
and  service  stairway  from  librarian's  room,  both  of  which  are  unnecessary,  though  the 
service  stairway  is  a  great  convenience.  The  basement  is  particularly  well  planned,  and 
the  main  floor  is  a  good  example  of  a  library  without  partitions. 

66 


XIV 


c 
cr 


67 


XlVa 


Second  Floor 
Public  Library.     Oskalocsa,  la. 

68 


XlVb 


Delivery  Desk  and  Stack  Room 
Public  Library.     Oskaloosa,  la. 

69 


Reading  Room 


Children's  Rocm 
Public  Library.     Oskalocsa,  la. 


70 


PUBLIC  LIBRARY 

OSKALOOSA,    IA. 
1903 


ARCHITECT— F.  E.  Wetherell,  Oskaloosa,  la. 
SOURCE— Andrew  Carnegie,  $22,000. 

COST— $23,774.  12c  per  cubic  foot.  Contract  $21,603  (including  heating,  plumbing, 
lighting  fixtures,  shades,  decorating  and  loan  desk).  Shelving  $550.  Cork  carpet 
$258.  Architect's  fee  $700.  Tables  and  chairs  $363.  Periodical  cases  and  special 
furniture  $300. 

CONSTRUCTION — Pressed  brick  with  stone  trimmings.  Gravel  roof.  Slow- 
burning  construction, 

DIMENSIONS— 78'x68'.     Basement  9',  first  floor  12',  second  floor  11'   high. 

Procedure — No  competition.  Board  submitted  provisional  floor  plans  to  architect 
and  reserved  right  to  employ  another  architect  if  plans  were  not  approved. 

NOTES — Few  changes  desired.  Stack  should  be  lighted  by  several  narrow 
windows  at  aisles  instead  of  three  wide  ones.  Portico  should  be  deeper. 

EDITOR'S  NOTES — Reference  room  seems  small.  Front  stairway  to  basement 
should  not  be  from  delivery  room,  but  from  vestibule.  If  basement  club  rooms  are  to 
be  used  by  public,  better  entrances  to  basement  should  be  afforded,  without  passing 
through  any  library  rooms.  The  committee  room  in  basement  should  open  into  a  hall. 
Possibly  rear  hall  could  be  carried  across  building. 


71 


XV 


U 


72 


XVa 


First  Floor 


v    \> 

Xs> 


X 

f-i{ 

XV-' 

0»^,-r- 

'UOV 
."  ».  ItL'-O" 

i 
I 

f1 

15  -6  "x  y 

1 

Aie'r  GAI 


Second   Floor 
City  Free  Library.     Huntington,  Ind. 

73 


XVb 


Basement 


Children's  Room 
City  Free  Library.     Huntington,  Ind. 

74 


CITY   FREE   LIBRARY 

HUNTINGTON,  IND. 
1903 


ARCHITECTS— Patton  &  Miller,  Chicago. 
SOURCE — Andrew  Carnegie,  $25,000. 

COST — Contract  $19,288.69  (including  cork  carpet,  wall  shelving  and  periodical 
case).  Heating  plant  $1,994.79,  Wiring  $328,  Light  fixtures  $266.18,  Plumbing  $697.21, 
Art  metal  stacks  $965  (a  second  tier  costing  $650  added  later),  Loan  desk  $125, 
Decorating  $500,  Grounds  $50,  Architect's  fee  $1,200,  11  tables  $300,  Chairs  $227.35. 

CONSTRUCTION— Bedford  stone,  smooth  finish.  Tile  roof.  Cement  floor  in 
basement.  Floor  deadened  between  first  and  second  stories.  Heated  from  central 
plant.  Wooden  shelving  in  reading  rooms.  Double  storied  stack  from  Art  Metal  Con- 
struction Co. 

DIMENSIONS — 70'x55'.  First  story  10'xlO"  high,  except  stack  room,  which  is 
20'.  Second  story  9'8"  except  art  gallery  which  is  16'. 

CAPACITY — Main  stack  room  shelves  12,000  volumes.  (Not  1,200  as  in  cut.) 
Seating  capacity,  30  at  tables  in  each  reading  room  and  6  in  study. 

PROCEDURE— No  competition. 

NOTES — Service  stairway  to  basement  is  badly  placed.  Too  conspicuous  and  in 
space  needed  for  shelving.  (See  plans  XIII  and  XV.) 

EDITOR'S  NOTES — Not  enough  wall  shelving  in  reading  rooms.  Study  too 
small.  Partitions  between  fireplaces  and  delivery  room  undesirable. 


75  . 


XVI 


>>  to 
*  o 

2o 


76 


XVIa 


n    n    n 
u    u 


First  Floor 


Second  Floor 
Public  Library.     Eau  Claire,  Wis. 


77 


XVIb 


Public  Library.     Eau  Claire,  Wis. 

78 


PUBLIC  LIBRARY 

EAU  CLAIRE,  WIS. 
1904 


ARCHITECTS— Patton  &  Miller,  Chicago. 
SOURCE — Andrew  Carnegie,  $40,000. 

COST — $40,003.87.  Contract  $29,981.20  (including  cork  carpet  and  wall  shelving). 
Tile  roof  $1,600.  Gable  ornaments  $138.  Steam  pipes  in  gutters  $42.  Heating  and 
ventilating  $1,719,  Electric  wiring  $5.22,  Light  fixtures  $550,  Plumbing  and  gas  fitting 
$904,  Shades  $65,  Decorations  $810,  Leaded  glass  $312,  Architect's  fees  $1,884.66, 
Superintendence  $384,  Chairs  $295,  Catalogue  drawers  $69,  Catalogue  case,  loan  desk, 
tables  and  librarian's  desk  $728. 

EDITOR'S  NOTES — Admirable  plan.  Partitions  separating  reading  rooms  from 
stack  room  might  possibly  be  omitted  (see  plan  XVII  for  better  treatment). 


"9 


XVII 


i_ 

I  8 


fi.   M 

£*  o 
«  U 


XI 

3 
PU 


XVIIa 


First  Floor 


Second  Floor 

Public  Library.     Cedar  Rapids,  la. 
81 


XVUb 


J         •  •  •  •          • 


BASETMCNT 


Delivery  Room  and  Book  Alcove 
Public  Library.     Cedar  Rapids,  la. 

82 


XVIIc 


Reading  Room 


Children's   Room 
Public  Library.     Cedar  Rapids,  la. 

83 


PUBLIC  LIBRARY 

CEDAR  RAPIDS,  IA. 

1905 


ARCHITECTS— Josselyn  &  Taylor  Co.,  Cedar  Rapids,  la. 
SOURCE— Andrew  Carnegie,  $75,000. 

COST — $75,000,  not  including  furniture.  Half  of  basement  unfinished;  cost  of 
completion,  $1,000.  20c  per  cubic  foot.  Contract  $61,869.72  (including  wiring,  grading, 
curbing,  walks,  ventilating  fan  and  motor,  and  shelving).  Heating  plant  $3,248,  Light 
fixtures  $1,144.80,  Plumbing  $2,389.57,  Finish  hardware  $425,  Corticene  for  office  and 
cataloguing  room  $72.60,  Loan  desk  $425,  Shades  $62.61,  Decorating  $545,  Grounds  $235, 
Stage  curtains  $68,  Architect's  fee  $3,500,  Superintendence  $1,087.50,  Library  Bureau 
furniture  $1,700,  including:  82  chairs,  3  swivel  chairs,  2  desks,  11  tables,  2  magazine 
racks,  1  dictionary  stand,  1  newspaper  rack,  2  catalogue  cases,  1  picture  cabinet  (3  units), 
1  letter  file  (1  unit),  1  book  truck,  1  display  rack,  250  folding  chairs  for  auditorium 
$312.50. 

CONSTRUCTION — Simple  form  of  renaissance  architecture.  Granite  base  course. 
Bedford  stone  lo  first  floor  windows,  with  window  trimmings  and  cornices  of  same. 
Body  of  wall  light  buff  mottled  brick,  Norman  size,  from  Columbus,  Ohio.  Re-enforced 
concrete  for  all  floors  and  roof  including  beams.  Roof,  low  pitch  and  water  proofed 
with  felt,  ccmposition  and  gravel.  Fireproof  construction.  Floors,  except  in 
auditorium,  are  cement  cr  terrazze;  the  latter  for  entrance,  space  in  front  of  loan 
counter  and  in  two  main  rooms  of  first  floor.  Auditorium  floor  of  wood.  Heating  is 
largely  by  direct  radiation,  with  indirect  radiators  to  four  places  on  first  floor  and  to 
auditorium,  sre  cement  cr  terrazzo;  the  latter  for  entrance,  space  in  front  of  loan 
heat:  Mains  cf  Public  Heating  Co. 

Daylight  is  distributed  by  prism  glass  in  transoms  and  upper  sash  and  in  basement 
windows;  and  by  prism  glass  ceiling  light  in  art  room,  with  electric  lights  above  glass. 
Glass  on  three  fronts  is  otherwise  plate. 

Artificial  light  is  generally  by  pendants,  using  the  Nernst  electric  lamp. 

Ventilation  flues  for  fcul  air  are  controlled  by  dampers  and  registers  and  carried 
to  attic  and  there  discharged  to  pass  cut  through  a  ventilator  on  roof,  which  is  separate- 
ly controlled  and  has  an  exhaust  fan  that  can  be  run  when  needed. 

Shelving  is  placed  against  the  walls  and  is  cf  wood.  The  space  back  of  the  loan 
counter  will  be  used  for  stacks  in  future  as  may  be  wanted,  there  being  height  enough 
for  two  stcries.  The  basement  rocm  under  the  same  space  is  used  for  document 
storage  and  can  be  fitted  with  one  stcry  stacks. 

Cclcr  scheme  on  main  floor  is  dark  green  on  side  walls  with  ivory  on  cornices 
and  ceilings.  Upper  hall  a  leather  brown  on  walls;  auditorium  walls  a  terra  cotta; 
art  room  a  scft  green  burlap  over  boards;  ceilings  generally  of  yellow  tones.  Except 
wainscct  in  halls  the  work  is  water  color;  wainscot  in  oil.  Entrances,  porch  and 
vestibule  are  lined  with  white  marble. 

04 


Directly  in  front  of  the  inner  doors  and  20  feet  back  from  them  is  the  delivery 
desk.  Back  of  this  is  the  book  alcove,  ultimately  to  be  used  as  a  stack  room.  Partitions, 
solid  below,  plate  glass  above,  separate  the  reading  room  and  children's  room  from  the 
entrance  and  extend  half  way  to  desk,  where  everything  is  open  to  allow  supervision 
of  whole  first  floor.  There  are  fireplaces  in  the  children's  room  and  in  the  librarian's 
office.  The  main  stairway  is  in  the  L,  entered  from  the  side  street.  Service  stairway 
from  basement  to  second  floor  and  a  lift  large  enough  to  carry  a  book  truck. 

DIMENSIONS — 109'x67'  and,  in  addition,  a  projection  37  x!2'.  Height  of  base- 
ment 9'  6",  of  first  floor  16',  except  where  beams  cross,  and  of  second  floor  14',  except 
auditorium,  which  is  16'. 

CAPACITY — Wall  shelving.  17,000  volumes.  Reading  room  5,000.  Reference 
room  3,000,  Book  alcove  2,400,  Children's  room  2,400,  Document  room  4,200. 
Stack,  in  future,  17,000.  Seating  capacity:  Reading  room  70,  Reference  room  24, 
Book  alcove  12,  Children's  room  64,  Document  room  30,  Auditorium  300.  Extension: 
Rear  wall,  from  the  projection  across  the  rear  of  book  alcove,  etc.,  is  a  screen 
wall  carried  on  beams  and  columns;  as  much  of  the  wall  as  may  be  desired  can  be  re- 
moved and  the  building  extended  back  without  disturbing  the  floor  construction  of  the 
front  portion. 

PROCEDURE — The  architect  was  chosen  by  vote  of  board  without  competition. 
He  and  building  committee  visited  various  libraries  of  similar  size.  He  submitted  a 
number  of  designs  for  front  elevation.  The  plans  were  approved  in  same  manner.  The 
board  firmly  believes  in  its  policy  of  selecting  an  architect  rather  than  a  plan,  and  feels 
that  the  choice  of  a  competent  local  architect  gave  them  the  benefit  of  his  constant 
advice  and  supervision. 

NOTES — The  side  entrance  and  stairway  developed  from  plan  for  frequent  use  of 
auditorium  and  were  made  possible  by  the  corner  lot.  The  renting  of  upstairs  rooms 
makes  these  still  more  useful,  for  they  save  the  library  proper  much  noise  and  con- 
fusion. The  terrazzo  floors  are  easily  kept  clean  and  are  attractive..  Their  drawback  is 
the  noise,  particularly  in  the  children's  room.  In  this  respect  they  are  no  worse  than 
hardwood  floors,  but  of  course  corticene  would  be  much  quieter. 

The  exterior  is  often  admired  for  its  simplicity  and  dignity.  The  location  is 
especially  desirable,  being  central  as  regards  population  and  territory  and  on  the  edge 
of  the  business  district. 

EDITOR'S  NOTE — Compare  with  other  two  story  buildings  and  note  the  relative- 
ly small  space  assigned  for  storage,  and  the  fine  reading  rooms. 


85 


XVIII 


So 


86 


XVIIIa 


First  Floor 
Free  Library.     Madison,  Wis. 

87 


XVIIIb 


Second  Floor 
Free  Library.     Madison,  Wis. 


XVIIIc 


Free  Library.     Madison,  Wis. 


89 


XVIIId 


e  i 

's 


90 


XVIIIe 


1.  1 

o  -o 


ti 
*>    >> 


91 


FREE    LIBRARY 

MADISON,  WIS. 
1905 


ARCHITECTS— Frank  Miles  Day  &  Bro.,  Philadelphia. 
SOURCE— Andrew  Carnegie,  $75,000. 

COST — $75,000.  15c  per  cubic  foot.  Contract  $63,347.  Light  fixtures  (specially 
designed)  $1,146,  Steel  stacks  $2,340,  Cork  carpet  $958,  Shades  $15,  Screens  $260. 
Furniture  made  by  contractor  of  building:  Frame  for  brass  tablet  $28.00,  3  window  seats 
built  into  bay  windows  $180.00,  1  stand  for  charging  tray  $10.00,  1  periodical  rack  (in 
exchange  for  shelving  taken  out)  $25.00,  2  umbrella  stands  $40.00,  2  shelves  for 
dictionary  $4.00,  3  wall  newspaper  racks  $13.00,  5  bulletin  boards  (3  very  large)  $21.00, 
1  charging  tray  for  desk  in  children's  room  $3.50. 

Other  furniture.  First  four  articles  noted  below  ordered  from  large  factories  but 
orders  placed  through  local  dealers  (dimensions  and  designs  specified) :  14  tables 
$164.00,  145  chairs  $586.25,  Picture  and  bill  files  $39.00,  Flat  top  desk  $34.00,  Plate  glass 
for  two  pasting  tables  $10.00,  Catalogue  case  $135.00,  2  leather  cushions  for  window 
seats  $24.00,  Mirror  and  soap  dishes  for  toilet  rooms  $11.27,  Brass  tablet  $40.00,  Fram- 
ing pictures  for  Walter  Crane  frieze  in  children's  room  $20.65,  Door  mats  (made  to  order 
and  very  large)  $34.75. 

CONSTRUCTION— Collegiate  Gothic  architecture.  Building  embodies  residence 
idea;  grouping  of  windows  an  especially  fine  feature.  Rose-colored  rough  paving 
brick  with  regular  pattern  of  darker  bricks;  cut-stone  trimmings.  Green  tile  roof. 
Slow-burning  construction.  Steam  heat  and  mechanical  ventilation.  Building  well 
lighted  with  sky-lights  over  art  exhibit  halls  and  light  well  for  charging  desk;  electric 
lights  used,  with  Nernst  lights  in  reading,  reference  and  children's  rooms,  and  special 
trough  lighting  for  art  exhibit  halls.  All  floors,  except  in  basement,  are  double,  lower 
floor  being  of  hemlock,  then  deadening  quilt,  then  clear  white  maple.  Floor  on  stair- 
ways of  oak;  floor  in  boiler  room  of  cement;  all  floors  except  in  basement  have  cork 
carpet.  Shelving  of  quarter  sawed  oak  built  solidly  into  the  wall;  stack  of  steel  con- 
struction furnished  by  General  Fire-proofing  Co.,  Youngstown,  Ohio.  Provision  made 
for  three  floors  in  stack.  Color  scheme,  dark  brown  wood  work,  cream  ceilings  and 
walls.  Fireproof  vault  and  disinfecting  closet  in  basement. 

DIMENSIONS— 92'xl02'.     Basement  12',  first  floor  15',  second  floor  12'   high. 

CAPACITY — Reading  room,  2,500  books,  70  readers;  Reference  room,  1,000  books, 
35  readers;  Children's  room,  3,160  books,  60  readers;  Catalogue  room,  600  books;  Office, 
860  books;  Work  room  in  basement,  3,750  books;  Magazine  storage  room,  2,275  books; 
Newspaper  room,  30  readers;  Men's  club  room,  20  readers;  Club  room  on  second  floor, 
150  people;  Auditorium  in  basement,  400  people;  Book  stack,  wall  shelving,  1500  books; 
Book  stack,  steel  stacks,  15,120  books. 

PROCEDURE— Architect  was  engaged  by  competition,  which  was  held  under  the 
direction  of  an  architectural  expert  as  adviser.  Competition  restricted  to  local  architects 
and  three  others  invited  to  enter;  $200  compensation  for  each  invited  architect  and  $200 
each  for  two  others  not  receiving  the  prize.  Printed  program  of  competition  may  be 
had  from  the  librarian.  Would  advise  this  method  for  a  good-sized  library  with  any- 
thing of  a  problem;  for  ordinary  small  library,  best  thing  is  to  choose  reliable  architect 
who  has  had  some  experience  in  planning  libraries,  and  work  the  plan  up  with  him. 

92 


NOTES — Large  reference  library  at  University  made  less  reference  space  neces- 
sary. Unusual  use  of  library  by  men  made  special  space  for  them  desirable.  An  active 
Art  association  in  the  city  led  to  the  providing  of  rooms  for  their  exhibits.  Library 
school  specified  in  the  gift  made  it  necessary  to  include  rooms  for  their  occupancy  in 
the  plans.  Work  room  in  basement  was  made  unusually  large  to  shelve  school  duplicate 
collection  during  the  summer.  Expect  to  spend  annually  $750  for  heat,  $400  for  light, 
$750  for  janitor  service. 

EDITOR'S  NOTES — Light  not  good  at  loan  desk  and  in  passage  to  book  room. 
Probably  better  to  have  open  reading  room,  without  partition,  at  left  of  loan  desk,  and 
reference  room  at  front  of  building.  Alcoves  at  sides  of  reading  rooms  should  have 
doors  to  hall.  Detail  admirably  worked  out. 


93 


XIX 


94 


XlXa 


University  of  Oregon  Library.     Eugene,  Ore. 
95 


XlXb 


&LCOND  FLOOR  PLAN 


flln.-l  R&, 

University  of  Oregon  Library.     Eugene,  Ore. 
96 


UNIVERSITY  OF  OREGON   LIBRARY 

EUGENE,  ORE. 
1907 


ARCHITECT— Y.  D.  Hensill,  Eugene,  Ore. 
SOURCE — State  appropriation  $25,000. 

COST — $25,588.35  for  finished  building  without  light  fixtures,  furniture  or  floor 
covering,  lie  per  cubic  foot.  Contract  $22,596.26  (including  shelving,  periodical  cases, 
and  decorating).  Heating  and  plumbing  $1,878.71.  Architect's  fee  $1,113.38.  Shades 
$190. 

CONSTRUCTION— Simple  classical  architecture.  Basement  of  artificial  stone, 
two  upper  stories  of  pressed  brick  with  stone  trimmings.  Pressed  steel  tile  roof.  Slow- 
burning  construction.  Interior  wood  work  of  Oregon  pine.  Floors  of  soft  wood,  to  be 
covered  with  cork  carpet.  Basement  floor  of  Oregon  pine.  All  floors  deadened  by  hair 
insulation.  Hot  water  heat  from  central  plant.  Artificial  light  by  electricity,  wired  for 
ceiling,  table,  desk,  and  case  lights.  Daylight  excellent — windows  high  at  sides  and  low 
at  rear  and  in  front.  Two  fireplaces  aid  ventilation.  Wooden  wall  shelving  and  double 
face  floor  cases  in  stack  room.  Wood  finish  stained  mission  brown.  Walls  and  ceiling 
yellow  and  orange  tints.  Exhibition  room  finished  with  brown  fabricona  and  lighted 
by  skylights.  Main  floor  one  room,  except  office,  consultation  and  catalogue  rooms. 

DIMENSIONS — 90'x60'.     Basement  10',  main  floor  and  second  floor  each  13'  high. 

CAPACITY — 23,500  volumes.  75,000  volumes  when  stack  is  built  to  roof.  Refer- 
enc^room  seats  60,  reading  room  60,  periodical  room  25,  stack  room  about  40. 

PROCEDURE — No  competition.  Plans  of  other  buildings  secured,  and  architect 
engaged. 

NOTES — Class  rooms  will  eventually  be  used  for  library  purposes,  those  above 
stack  room  being  part  of  stack. 

EDITOR'S  NOTES — Document  room  in  basement  should  have  door  to  hall.  Con- 
sultation room  should  be  extended.  Librarian's  room  should  have  low  windows  at  rear. 


97 


XX 


Carnegie  Library  of  Iowa  College.     Grinnell,  la. 
Cost    $49,976. 


98 


XXa 


First  Floor 


.     . 

. 


Second  Floor 
Carnegie  Library  of  Iowa  College.     Grinnell,  la. 

99 


XXb 


Basement 
Carnegie  Library  of  Iowa  College.     Grinnell,  la. 


100 


XXc 


Section  of  Stack  Room 
Carnegie  Library  of  Iowa  College.     Grinnell,  la. 


10] 


CARNEGIE  LIBRARY  OF  IOWA  COLLEGE 

GRINNELL,   IA. 
1905 


ARCHITECTS — Hallett  &  Rawson,  Des  Moines,  la. 
SOURCE — Andrew  Carnegie,  $50,000. 

COST — $49,976,  for  building  completed  and  furnished  with  the  exception  of  class 
rooms.  Some  old  furniture  and  shelving  used.  15-16c  per  cubic  foot.  Contract  $41,338 
(including  heating,  wiring,  ventilating,  plumbing  and  fixtures,  and  finish  hardware), 
Light  fixtures  $486,  Stacks  $5,000  (2  stories  with  glass  floor),  Cork  carpet  for  reading 
room  and  stair  treads  $271,  Shades  $40,  Architect's  fees  $1,041  (services  partly  given  by 
former  student),  Furniture  $1,700  (including  loan  desk,  160  tray  catalogue  case  and  base, 
6  tables  16x4,  2  tables  14x4,  4  tables  8x3'6",  three  magazine  racks,  two  newspaper  racks), 
Incidentals  $100. 

CONSTRUCTION — Built  on  classic  lines.  Red  pressed  brick  and  Bedford  stone. 
Slow-burning  construction  with  fire-proof  stack  room.  Interior  wood-work  of  oak  and 
birch.  Floors,  except  in  basement,  birch.  Basement  floors  of  cement  or  hard  pine  over 
concrete.  Steam  heat  from  central  plant.  Natural  light  good.  Electric  lights  with 
table,  bracket  and  chandelier  lights  in  reading  room,  the  latter  seldom  used.  System  of 
indirect  radiation  aids  in  ventilation.  Art  Metal  Construction  Co.  bracket  stack  of  two 
stories,  with  provision  for  3  floors  over  basement. 

The  main  library  floor  is  the  second  floor.  This  arrangement  makes  it  possible  to 
have  a  large,  light,  reading  room,  extending  the  full  length  of  the  building.  What  is 
naturally  the  dark  portion  of  the  building  is  occupied  by  the  stairway  and  delivery 
lobby,  well  lighted  by  overhead  light.  The  location  of  the  delivery  desk  in  a  lobby  be- 
tween the  reading  room  and  the  stack  room,  and  with  the  cataloguing  room  and  office 
on  the  third  side,  is  excellent.  Students  in  the  reading  room  or  in  the  stack  room  are 
not  disturbed  by  the  business  that  is  transacted  at  the  desk.  It  is  also  possible  for 
attendants  at  work  in  the  cataloguing  rooms  to  have  oversight  of  the  delivery  desk  and 
to  help  there  when  needed.  Shelf  room  behind  delivery  desk  is  utilized  for  reserved 
books. 

The  card  catalogue  case  has  been  fitted  into  the  partition  wall  between  the  delivery 
lobby  and  the  cataloguing  room.  The  doors  to  the  cupboards  in  the  base  of  this  case 
open  into  the  cataloguing  room  and  they  are  used  for  cataloguing  supplies. 

The  south  end  of  the  lobby  is  used  for  art  displays,  the  overhead  light  being  ex- 
cellent for  that  purpose. 

The  stack  room  plans  provide  for  three  stories  of  stacks.  The  middle  floor,  the 
only  one  now  in  use,  is  on  the  level  with  the  delivery  lobby  and  the  reading  room. 
When  the  three  stories  of  stacks  are  all  in  place  no  book  will  be  stored  more  than  one 
floor  from  the  delivery  desk. 

The  location  of  the  periodical  stack  room  in  close  connection  with  the  reading 
room  is  an  excellent  feature. 

On  the  first  floor  are  cloak  rooms,  with  toilet  rooms  in  connection,  and  several 
large  rooms  adapted  for  special  collections. 

Burlap  wainscoting  in  halls  and  reading  room. 

DIMENSIONS — 101'xSO'  with  extension  stack  room  56'x39'.  Height  of  floors: 
basement  10',  first  floor  12',  second  floor  18'. 

CAPACITY — Main  stack  95,000  volumes  on  the  three  floors,  2  of  which  are  now  in; 
total  capacity  200,000  volumes.  Reading  room  will  accommodate  from  150  to  200 
readers.  Stack  room  may  be  extended. 

PROCEDURE — The  librarian,  who  was  on  the  building  committee,  visited  other 
buildings  in  company  with  the  architect.  Architects  selected  without  competition. 

NOTES — General  arrangement  exceedingly  satisfactory.  Reading  room  on  second 
floor  a  great  advantage  in  securing  unbroken  space  and  freedom  from  noise  of  halls. 
Might  have  saved  about  $2000  by  omitting  stone  trimming. 

102 


.atenai  to  the  library 
was  borrowed. 


Gay  lord  Bros. 

Makers 
Syracuse,  N.  Y. 


UC  SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 


A     000  784  784     1 


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